Environment Bulletin – January 2024
Australia – Final reports for reviews of climate schemes released
The Climate Change Authority has released the final reports from its two reviews into the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme and the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011. The reports outline recommendations to improve the operation and transparency of these schemes and to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will now work with government and stakeholders to develop a response to the recommendations.
Read more from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water here.
Australia – New fuel quality standards to be introduced
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has announced that new fuel quality and noxious emissions standards will be introduced from December 2025. The new standards will initially reduce levels of aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur, and will require new vehicles to comply with Euro 6d noxious emissions standards.
Read more from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water here.
Queensland – New emissions reduction target of 75 per cent by 2035 announced
The QLD Government has announced that the State Government plans to legislate a new emissions reduction target of 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035. New legislation will also seek to create an expert panel that sets a pathway to net zero and 5-yearly targets until 2050, and provides annual progress reports to Parliament.