The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on requirements to help industry cut emissions and drive NSW towards achieving net zero by 2050.
The proposed Climate Change Licensee Requirements and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptions Plans: Mitigation Requirements released today aim to strengthen the transparency of greenhouse gas reporting and businesses' emission reduction plans.
To support the shift to a decarbonised economy, the proposed measures will be phased in across industry sectors, firstly applying to very large greenhouse gas emitters that hold environment protection licences.
NSW EPA CEO, Tony Chappel said this is a significant step forward in setting new standards for climate action, providing certainty to industry and the community as we transition to net zero.
"Climate change is not a problem for the future. We are already facing its escalating consequences, from unprecedented fires to recent devastating flood events across regional NSW," said Mr Chappel.
"We need to treat greenhouse gases like any other pollutant we regulate. EPA licensees currently contribute half of NSW's total greenhouse gas emissions.
"Introducing new requirements and guidance for industry is essential as we move towards a climate resilient future.
"This will be a complex journey, and we are committed to developing specific approaches for different industries and sectors, rather than a one size fits all solution."
To build our evidence base, the EPA commissioned the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to conduct an independent expert review of methane measurement technologies for fugitive methane emissions.
The EPA is also developing sector specific guides on emissions reductions. The first of these, the Proposed Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Guide for NSW Coal Mines, outlines tailored climate actions for the coal industry, targeting methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The draft requirements will apply to about 200 premises and are set to include:
- Annual climate change emissions reporting
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation plans
- Specific mitigation actions
- Emissions measurement
To help meet the proposed requirements, eligible licensees will be able to access grants from the High Emitting Industries Fund.
The requirements, mitigation guidance and guide for NSW coal mines are key initiatives set in our Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023-26.
