Lock the Gate Alliance has congratulated the NSW Climate Change Minister, Penny Sharpe, on her leadership and for working collaboratively with the crossbench to strengthen the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023.
The Alliance says the bill, passed today (November 30), represents an important step in the right direction for the state on climate policy and as a result, for communities across NSW on the frontline of the climate crisis.
Lock the Gate Alliance NSW Coordinator Nic Clyde said, “It was very heartening to see the NSW Parliament working together to improve this Bill. We greatly appreciate the constructive approach Minister Sharpe took. It’s led to a stronger climate law.
“We’re also grateful to the crossbench in both Houses, who have worked incredibly hard to identify opportunities to strengthen this Bill.
“There were notable improvements made including the ability for the Net Zero Commission to give advice to decision-makers on coal and gas mining proposals, which we consider incredibly important going forward.
“The ambition of greenhouse gas emissions reduction was also improved, with the addition of a 2035 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and provisions to enable the Net Zero Commission to recommend stronger targets, sooner.
“Importantly, this Bill expressly recognises, for the first time, a right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the people of New South Wales.
“We hope the NSW Government will now build on this work and take action to scrap John Barilaro-era pro-coal policies that seek to facilitate coal mine expansions in NSW.
“There are now 14 coal mine expansions proposed in NSW that will produce more than two billion tonnes of lifecycle carbon pollution. Urgent action is needed to stop these projects from proceeding if the people of NSW are to have a safe, liveable climate.”
ENDS
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Key points:
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The legislation enshrines the government’s emissions reduction targets of 50% by 2030, 70% by 2035 and net zero by 2050 in law.
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The legislation creates the Net Zero Commission as an independent statutory authority to advise on climate change matters in NSW.
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The Net Zero Commission has been empowered to provide advice directly to decision-makers on new coal and gas projects.