If the appeal to EPA relates to Ġabanintha emissions, there’s been a big change in state EPA policy as of today: “Legal advice triggers new EPA emissions policy putting onus on Commonwealth”…..
Environment Minister Reece Whitby told Parliament on Tuesday that the State Government was forced to step in in 2019, due to a lack of leadership from the former Federal Government. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian
The State’s environmental regulator will leave assessment of major projects’ greenhouse gas emissions to the Commonwealth, after receiving legal advice that the Federal Government’s new safeguard mechanism rendered state assessments unconstitutional.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby told Parliament on Tuesday that the State Government was forced to step in in 2019, due to a lack of leadership from the former Federal Government.
“A lot has changed since this time,” he said.
A review of the State’s approvals system last year identified duplication after the Commonwealth’s Safeguard Mechanism was introduced.
“Having considered the Vogel-McFerran review and constitutional advice from the Solicitor-General, the State Government has determined the most appropriate regulator of greenhouse gas emissions is the Commonwealth Government,” Mr Whitby said.
A new policy states that the State will no longer apply conditions to major proposals, with emissions over 100,000 tonnes per annum.
But there is a caveat.
“If and where regulation changes at the Commonwealth level, State limits may be applied or re-established,” Mr Whitby said.
He said the Cook Government remains committed to legislating its net zero by 2050 target.
Per document 1755 on Ġabanintha emissions currently under appeal at the EPA, emissioms ARE expected to be over 100,000 tpa
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