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.
As stated by 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.”
