Tightened air emission standards come into effect this week with the launch of the new Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2022.
NSW EPA Chief Executive Officer Tony Chappel said that while the State had always been recognised for its clean air, more stringent actions are needed to help meet global standards.
“These regulatory changes have been designed to better target harmful air pollutants and support NSW in transitioning to a low carbon economy while also reducing health risks that cost the greater metropolitan region around $6.4 billion each year,” Mr Chappel said.
“Many industries are already taking great strides to decarbonise through upgraded equipment or emission controls, but we know some power stations have not been able to progress as quickly due to the limited availability of cost-effective technologies.
“We’ve aimed to strike a better balance between requiring stronger standards for ageing infrastructure while also supporting power stations in providing affordable, reliable energy to households and businesses.
“We received more than 150 submissions during consultation, and I want to thank everyone who played a role in helping us to develop this important piece of work.
“The final result of our consultation is a great example of industry, government and the community working together to reduce air pollution emissions to support a net-zero future.”
The improvements made to the regulation focus on applying tighter air emission standards for ageing plants and equipment, stricter limits and controls on volatile organic liquids in storage tanks, requiring cleaner and lower volatility petrol, and changes to the management of certain pollutants.
The final Regulation:
- maintains the transition to tighter standards for ageing plant and equipment with amended transition periods to encourage the move to stricter standards and for consistency with other government initiatives
- begins the extended summer period for cleaner petrol on 1 November 2023 to ensure supply agreements can be managed by industry
- includes other minor and administrative updates for consistency and clarity.
The new Clean Air Regulation and a consultation summary can be viewed from Friday 16 December.
