The Greens’ Climate Trigger Bill: A Step Towards Ending the Era of Dirty Coal and Gas
Introduction
In recent news, Senator Hanson-Young has expressed the Greens’ determination to push through with the climate trigger bill. This bill aims to put an end to the era of dirty coal and gas in Australia. However, concerns have been raised by the Business Council of Australia (BCA) regarding the potential impact of this bill on renewable energy projects in the country.
The Potential Impact on Renewable Energy Projects
The BCA has warned that if the Albanese government includes a “climate trigger” in its Nature Positive reform, the approval process for renewable energy projects may become more challenging. According to the BCA, a climate trigger would result in a greater number of projects being subjected to bureaucratic assessments, diverting resources away from protecting habitats, threatened species, and the environment.
Data from the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) shows that there are currently 109 renewable projects pending review, compared to 72 mining projects. The BCA argues that introducing a climate trigger would further increase the backlog of projects under assessment, potentially hindering the progress of renewable energy initiatives.
The Thresholds of the Climate Trigger Bill
The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Act, introduced by Senator Hanson-Young in September 2022, sets two thresholds for emissions impact. If a project emits 25,000 to 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese may reject it if it is inconsistent with the national carbon budget. For projects exceeding 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, they would be treated as if they were nuclear projects and fully rejected.
Senator Hanson-Young’s Determination
Despite concerns raised by the BCA, Senator Hanson-Young remains resolute in her commitment to the climate trigger bill. She has emphasized that this bill is essential for putting an end to coal and gas mining, as well as native forest logging. The Greens believe that a climate trigger is crucial for achieving their goal of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The Albanese Government’s Stance
Last year, the Albanese government stated that its Nature Positive plan would not include a climate trigger, going against the recommendations of the Samuel Report. The government instead pledged to embed climate considerations in all roles and functions of government, acknowledging the link between climate change and biodiversity. However, despite this announcement, the Greens remain confident that the proposed climate trigger policy is still under consideration.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the climate trigger bill continues to divide opinions in Australia. While the Greens argue that it is necessary for ending the era of dirty coal and gas, the BCA raises concerns about its potential impact on renewable energy projects. It remains to be seen whether the Albanese government will ultimately include a climate trigger in its Nature Positive reform, but the ongoing discussions highlight the need for a careful balance between environmental protection and renewable energy development.
