New South Wales enacts climate bill with stringent emissions goals

New South Wales’ parliament on Thursday voted to approve a new climate bill, legislating a 2035 goal for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and making the Aussie state net zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) bill passed both Houses of Parliament after receiving multi-party support and is due to be endorsed by the New South Wales governor, according to the state government’s press release.

Enshrined into law, it calls for New South Wales to lower its greenhouse gas emissions to 50% by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels and then achieve a 70% reduction by 2035, also from the 2005 levels. The ultimate goal is to reach net zero by 2050.

The new regulations also direct New South Wales to set up an independent Net Zero Commission to monitor the state’s progress to net zero, including through reports. The body will also be able to provide independent advice to the government on energy-related projects and policies and approvals of any new coal and gas projects.

"This Bill provides the framework for New South Wales to embark on the essential journey to net zero emissions and better resilience to climate change,” said Penny Sharpe, Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!