- Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill to be drafted
- Bill aims to provide resources industry with opportunities to decarbonise
- Proposed amendments will help WA transition to net zero emissions by 2050
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has approved the drafting of a Bill that will provide Western Australia's resources sector with further investment and regulatory certainty as it transitions to a low-carbon future.
The Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill aims to provide WA's mining, LNG and natural gas industries with access to opportunities to decarbonise, such as mineral carbonation and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
The McGowan Government is committed to mitigating climate change and working with all sectors of the WA economy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The Bill follows the McGowan Government's WA Climate Policy and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for Major Projects.
There will be broad consultation with the resources industry and WA community on any proposed legislative amendments before the Bill is finalised.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association and Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA are already supportive of this reform.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"The Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill will provide resources projects with further long-term certainty while protecting and creating more jobs in the sector.
"The Bill is one of a number of options the McGowan Government is exploring to deal with climate change and we are working hard to ensure the proposed technologies are safe and secure.
"Decarbonising WA's resources sector and developing a legislative framework to support these goals is essential to the growth and economic diversification of our State."
Comments attributed to Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:
"The State Government has to play a leadership role in reducing carbon emissions and it is terrific to see industry onboard with a target of net zero emissions by 2050.
"We are currently working on a plan to cut emissions from our own activities, with a focus on an interim target for 2030 - and we look forward to announcing what that looks like."
Comments attributed to Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association WA Director Claire Wilkinson:
"The legislative amendments will allow carbon capture, utilisation and storage solutions to be deployed in Western Australia, a key technology to decarbonise the resources industry and the broader WA economy.
"The oil and gas industry is committed to net zero emissions by 2050, with some companies planning to reach that commitment earlier.
"Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is a proven, viable method that the oil and gas industry is well-positioned to deliver.
"We support this move by the WA Government. Providing regulatory certainty in this area will not only reduce emissions, but also give businesses confidence to invest, create jobs and grow the economy."
Mines and Petroleum Minister's office - 6552 6700
Environment and Climate Action Minister's office - 6552 6300
