State Government to consult on EPA greenhouse gas guidance
27 March 2019
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The Environmental Protection Authority has set out its expectations when considering greenhouse gas emissions, as part of its assessment process for significant proposals
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Independent EPA guidance is not binding on the State Government
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State Government will undertake broad consultation to ensure that environmental, social and economic impacts are fully understood as part of its response
The McGowan Government has today noted
the release of the
Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) revised
guidance on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
The guidance, released today by the independent EPA, is not a government
policy, but rather sets out the approach and expectations of the EPA
when considering
greenhouse gas emissions related to a proposal.
Consultation on the EPA guidance will be undertaken to ensure that
environmental, social and economic impacts are fully understood as part
of the State Government response.
The McGowan Government is focused on creating jobs and economic
development, this will remain the key priority as we consider the
State's response to the EPA advice. The resources sector is an important
driver of
WA's economy, with the
LNG industry playing an important role
as a transition fuel to lower global carbon emissions.
Last year, the State Government announced that a new co-ordinated
Climate Policy for the State would be developed by the end of 2019 to
help
WA play its part in meeting national emissions targets. It is the
State Government's view that emissions mitigation is best managed
through a nationally consistent approach.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"As a responsible State Government it is important to ensure that
projects have certainty for the long term.
"The McGowan Government is fully supportive of our job-creating LNG
industry and will listen to their views as part of our response to the
EPA.
"It is important that we have a clear understanding of the social,
economic and financial implications of the EPA's guidance.
"We will consult widely as part of our consideration of the EPA's
guidance and respond in due course to provide certainty for the
industry."
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Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 5800
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