NEW SOUTH WALES IS MAKING STRONG PROGRESS on plans to cut climate pollution and could make even greater progress if polluting coal and gas companies pulled their weight.
New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has announced the state is close to its goal of cutting 50% of emissions by 2030, with NSW expected to now reach a 46% cut in pollution. The goal of 70% reduction by 2035 is slightly further out of grasp with the state expected to reach a 62% cut in emissions in 2035.
Climate Councillor and energy expert Greg Bourne said: "It's refreshing to see a state government prioritising climate action and being honest about its progress and commitment to these 2030 and 2035 goals. The price of past failures to act on climate change has been paid by New South Wales residents this year who've been smashed by horrific record flooding and a tropical cyclone. These disasters are also hitting the NSW state budget with a 1000% increase in disaster-relief costs."
"Now is the time to push ahead with a plan that rapidly replaces failing coal power with more reliable, clean energy. The New South Wales Government has revealed that climate goals are within reach, which means the state can't afford any more extensions for polluting coal and gas projects – like last month's approval of highly polluting Tahmoor colliery underground coal mine, which will release an estimated 11.5 million tonnes of climate pollution over the next eight years.
"One of the big challenges for New South Wales will be how it deals with methane escaping from coal and gas projects. I'm pleased to see the NSW Minister support the recommendations of the Net Zero Commission inquiry, including progressing work on methane abatement technology and fugitive emissions in the resources sector, as a matter of urgency. It's time that coal and gas companies cleaned up their own mess and cut their emissions.
Minister Sharpe has also noted that transport will be the biggest source of climate pollution in New South Wales by 2030, so the state needs to speed up shared and active transport plans, along with supporting the rollout of electric vehicles and EV infrastructure. There are also great opportunities in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Just this week, for example Victoria, announced plans to phase out gas hot water appliances in homes and NSW could follow suit.
"Most importantly, New South Wales can't do this alone. We need all states and the Federal Government to hold hands and march forward together on creating strong, credible targets for getting off coal, oil and gas, and creating a future for our kids that is safer, cleaner and more prosperous."
