Western Australia’s EPA withdraws GHG guidelines

The Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority has withdrawn its guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions following discussions with companies impacted by the ruling. 

EPA said on Thursday it held a number of discussions with companies potentially impacted by the revised assessment guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is clear from our consultation there is some uncertainty within industry on the technical aspects and the practical implementation of the guidelines, particularly with respect to offsets,” EPA chair Tom Hatton said.

He added that the EPA does not resile from the need to reduce Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Hatton added that it is important that the detail of such advice is more fully developed and the practical applications are well understood which is why EPA will be undertaking further consultation with industry and stakeholders to ensure these guidelines can be practically implemented and that they are fully complementary to Commonwealth regulation.

Commenting on the EPA’s decision, Woodside’s CEO Peter Coleman said that “climate change is an important and complex issue that requires stable, clear, national policies that allow business to invest in playing its part in emissions reduction.”

He called for the government to set targets and policies and not the regulators, adding that the decision to withdraw the guidelines from application, but stressed the instability the decision caused in the past week, saying “Australia can’t afford to keep shooting itself in the foot.”