Frequently asked questions
Why is the EPA carrying out public consultation? The EPA provides independent environmental advice to the state government and has provided advice on greenhouse gas emissions for proposals in Western Australia for more than 20 years.
The EPA recognises there is strong public and industry interest in our greenhouse gas assessment guidance.
The consultation will allow the community and industry to comment on how the EPA should consider greenhouse gas emissions when assessing significant proposals in Western Australia.
Was this an opportunity to comment on the state’s climate change policy? No. This consultation was about the greenhouse gas guidance that informs how the EPA assesses projects in Western Australia.
In December 2018, the state government announced it would develop a new, co-ordinated climate change policy for the state. You can comment on the related issues paper.
How long was the consultation open for? The consultation period was open for 12 weeks from Monday 10 June 2019 to Monday 2 September 2019.
How many submissions were received? The EPA received nearly 7000 submissions, which had a diversity of views on how to manage Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Breakdown of submissions received:
• 6655 campaign pro-forma submissions
• 293 individual submissions from private citizens, government organisations, companies, industry bodies and academic and community groups
Have all submissions received been published? Six of the submitters requested that the content of their submissions remained confidential. While we have listed the names/organisations of these submitters alongside all other submissions, the content of their submissions has not been published in the submissions library.
What happens to my submission? It is important that the consultation be carried out with the highest possible level of transparency and participation.
For those who made a submission through a campaign pro-forma, you will find your submission listed under the relevant campaign organiser.
All submissions will be reviewed by the EPA and considered.
When will the EPA publish its new assessment guidance? The EPA intends to publish its new greenhouse gas assessment guidance in early 2020.
Who decides the revised guidance? Decisions about the EPA’s guidelines are made by the EPA board. The EPA has five members: a full-time Chair, a part-time Deputy Chair and three part-time members. As it does with all its guidelines, the EPA will consult its Stakeholder Reference Group in the development of its guidelines.
Could anyone make a submission? Yes.
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