Environmental Bulletin – December 2021

NSW – Energy Legislation Amendment Bill passed

The NSW Government has passed the Energy Legislation Amendment Bill in parliament, which will allow the development of renewable energy infrastructure, such as for wind energy generation, in the State’s softwood pine plantations. The legislation also supports the NSW Hydrogen Strategy, which among other things, will help the State to halve its emissions by 2030. Commencement is yet to be proclaimed.

Australia – Amendments to industrial chemical rules to commence

The Australian Government has created Rules to amend the Industrial Chemicals (General Rules) 2019 and the Industrial Chemicals (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2019. Most of the changes commenced on 23 November 2021, with the remainder to commence on 10 December 2021, updating record-keeping requirements for a designated kind of release into the environment, and requiring importers to declare nanoscale chemicals, among other things.

NSW – Draft Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 released

The NSW Government is seeking to improve the regulatory framework and processes for mineral development in NSW and has released the draft Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 for public feedback, along with a Consultation Guide and Explanatory Guide. The amendments aim to modernise processes, improve clarity and enhance compliance. It is expected that the finalised Bill will be introduced to Parliament in the first half of 2022. Comments close 21 January 2022.

See the NSW Government’s consultation page here to have you say today.