Criminal offence and civil penalties for actions with significant greenhouse gas emissions
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Bill 2022
Private Member's Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Sarah Hanson-Young (GRN)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People face up to 7 years in prison; bodies corporate face fines of 50,000 penalty units for actions that significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.
An action is significant if it produces 25 kilotonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalence in 12 months.
The Minister cannot approve any action that produces 100 kilotonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalence in 12 months.
The Minister must consider the national carbon budget and emissions targets when deciding whether to approve an action.
The Climate Change Authority must set a recommended national carbon budget for the period from 2023 to 2050.