Climate Change laws have passed through the Upper House of the NSW Parliament, with the NSW Greens securing amendments that make the state’s net zero target a legally binding duty, ensure the framework includes an emissions reduction target of 70% by 2035 and provides a mechanism to ramp up the targets.
Under a significant win the new Net Zero Commission will have the power to provide advice on coal and gas projects, which will no doubt become a barrier to the approval of any new or expanded fossil fuels projects and will set NSW on a path to end coal and gas for good.
Greens MP and spokesperson for climate change Sue Higginson said “The Greens have led negotiations across the Parliament to ensure the bill does more than provide ornamental unambitious targets, but rather it will chart a course toward real climate action for the state,”
“The guarantees that we have secured from the Government will mean that the community can hold decision makers to account on achieving net zero. The Government should always be held to account on the failure to follow laws and now young people throughout NSW can pursue the Government if they fail this duty,”
“Empowering the Net Zero Commission to provide fearless and independent advice about coal and gas projects is a critical plank in ending fossil fuel reliance in NSW and something that should provide confidence to decision makers when refusing to open new projects,”
“All of the amendments to this bill, through the work of all parties, have improved this new climate law for NSW and will result in better climate action. However, none of us can afford to become complacent about the threats posed from climate change and the Greens will continue to push for NSW to go further and faster because we know this is just the beginning,”
“The Government is now on notice that we will hold them to account to this new law through Parliament and, if necessary, through the courts if they fail to meet their obligations. Our commitment to stronger climate action will continue undeterred, and we will keep advocating for all communities and the environment in the face of climate driven disasters,” Ms Higginson said.
