Browsing: Federal

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong this afternoon released draft regulations prescribing the process for issuing free permits to emissions-intensive industrial activities and defining permit allocations for eight of these activities.

There is 'no doubt' that solar PV sales will dry up and smaller companies will be at risk of bankruptcy as a result of today's Senate decision to delay consideration of the Renewable Energy Target legislation, BP Solar has warned.

With the backing of the Coalition and Senator Nick Xenophon, Family First Senator Steve Fielding this morning instigated a Senate inquiry into the Rudd Government's renewable energy target legislation, with a reporting date of August 12.

Assistant climate change minister Greg Combet this morning introduced to Parliament the Rudd Government's Renewable Energy Target legislation, while the Clean Energy Council has proposed changes to decouple the RET industry exemption regime from the CPRS.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency policies will directly create a net 28,230 jobs in Australia over 2010 to 2020, despite net job losses in NSW due to deferred investment in coal-fired generation, says a study released today by the Clean Energy Council.

Two Coalition senators – one National and one Liberal – take a more hardline stance than their Coalition colleagues in Senate reports, while Labor and non-Government senators indicate the Government has yet to fix its treatment of companies capturing waste coal mine methane.

The Australian Conservation Foundation has asked Australia's corporate watchdog to investigate 'potential breaches of the Trade Practices Act' relating to public statements on the effects of the CPRS made by six major companies.

Large power users won't be entitled to any exemption from the Rudd Government's Renewable Energy Target scheme until the CPRS is operational, according to the newly-released RET legislation.

• Garrett sets midnight deadline for solar PV rebates
  
• Wong consults on voluntary action
  
• Queen's Birthday climate honours for Clive Hamilton and coal chief
  
• Woodside plunges into forest carbon sinks
  
• NPI releases emission estimation handbook for Defence

The cement industry tells the Federal Government 'outdated and inconsistent' state and federal waste laws are hampering its ability to usefully dispose of difficult wastes, backs Victoria's legislative approach over NSW's 'stifling' efforts and sounds a warning on used oil and tyres stewardship schemes.