ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY —
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS —GUIDELINES
1205. Hon ROBIN SCOTT to the Minister for Environment:
It was reported today that the major resource industry
leaders have again called for the Environmental Protection Authority of WA to
hold off on releasing its guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions until after
the government has released its new climate policy.
(1) Does the
minister agree that it would be premature for the EPA to release its guidelines
before the government releases its climate policy?
(2) Has the
minister spoken with the EPA about the timing of the release of the guidelines;
and, if so, what was discussed?
(3) Will the
minister commit to reject any policy that recommends immediate net zero
emissions targets for new projects?
(4) Has the EPA become a governmental arm of the
Greens party, hell-bent on destroying the state's economy?
The PRESIDENT: Minister for Environment, you can
answer the first three parts, but I think the member was actually seeking an
opinion in the fourth part, which he knows he should not be doing. Cheeky try!
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON
replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1)–(4)
The Environmental Protection Authority is an independent statutory authority,
and this government fully respects that independence. The content and timing
for release of the EPA's updated guidance on greenhouse gas emissions
is a matter for the EPA board. I receive monthly verbal briefings from the EPA
chair on a variety of environmental matters, which has included updates on
consultation being undertaken for the greenhouse gas guidance. I note that the
proposed time line for release of the EPA's updated guidance is
outlined on its fact sheet on greenhouse gas guidance, which is available on
the EPA website. I will table a copy of that
fact sheet. The state's greenhouse gas emissions policy for major
projects is clear that when a project is assessed by the EPA, I will
consider the advice and recommendations of the EPA and the particular characteristics of the project. The government may
then consider whether it is appropriate to apply a condition that sets
out the requirements for a plan detailing the proponent's contribution
towards achieving the government's aspiration of net zero emissions by
2050.
[See paper 3297.]