The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has revised its guidance on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from significant new or expanding proposals in Western Australia.
The Environmental Factor Guidance – Greenhouse Gas Emissions and EPA Technical Guidance – Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions released today, will help proponents of significant proposals in the State prepare for an environmental assessment by the EPA.
The revised guidelines:
- outline the information required from proponents and how it may be considered by the EPA in its environmental impact assessment;
- set a clear threshold for when greenhouse gas emissions from proposals will be considered by the EPA, and what mitigation measures will likely be required.
EPA Chair Dr Tom Hatton said while the EPA Board recognised the lead role of the Commonwealth Government in relation to Australia’s international obligations on reducing emissions it notes there is a need to clarify and provide greater certainty in the EPA’s consideration of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Over the past two decades the EPA has recommended greenhouse gas abatement measures for around 40 proposals however more needs to be done to limit global warming, consistent with the Paris Agreement,” Dr Hatton said.
“The revised guidance released today clarifies what is required from proponents of significant proposals in the State, to avoid, reduce and offset their impacts and includes a more stringent approach to offsets.
“In the revised guidance the EPA has noted its intention to recommend offsets for proposals with direct emissions above 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.”
The EPA periodically reviews its guidance documents for environmental impact assessments and has consulted the EPA Stakeholder Reference Group (made up of industry, local government and conservation organisations) in developing its updated guidance.
These guidelines are not statutory, but serve to inform proponents as to the kinds of information they may be required to provide to the EPA during the assessment process. EPA advice and recommendations are considered by Government in authorising major developments in Western Australia.
There will be a transition period to give proponents time to develop and implement their avoidance, reduction and offsetting plans.
To read the guidance documents please click here.
EPA Media Contact: Vivienne Ryan on 0400 866 450
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