The Climate Council has backed a call by the Australian Greens for Australia's 48th Parliament to end the approval of new coal and gas projects.
The Greens have proposed that Australia's next Minister for Climate Change and Energy could utilise existing powers, under the reformed Safeguard Mechanism, to block new fossil fuel developments. They have suggested polluting projects could be blocked by changing regulations to set emission baselines to zero for new coal and gas projects, and preventing these projects from using offsets to reach this baseline, effectively banning new polluting coal and gas projects.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: "The Safeguard Mechanism is a critical tool for tackling fossil fuel pollution from industry. Right now there's no federal law that can prevent fossil fuel projects. Considering ways to strengthen the Safeguard Mechanism to help stop new polluting projects is a smart and sensible move.
The Climate Council's recent Climate Crossroads report found that Labor has no clear plan to limit fossil fuel development, while the Federal Coalition is planning to dramatically increase climate pollution by investing even more in polluting gas projects and extending the life of polluting coal-fired power stations. This is a welcome proposal from the Greens.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: "Building new and expanded coal and gas projects is like pouring fuel on a fire. To secure a safer future for our kids, we must stop waving through new fossil fuel developments.
"Opening new mines or gas fields locks in more climate pollution, worsens climate risks like floods, fires and cyclones, and holds our economy back from investing in the industries of the future.
"The ALP approved 26 new coal and gas projects during the last term and more climate pollution bombs are under consideration. Any solution for preventing these projects from going ahead should be considered by the next government."
