State and territory environmental regulators are under pressure to use their approvals and licensing systems to make businesses cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
The federal government, as well as states and territories, should recognise in legislation the right to a healthy environment, according to a UN advisor on human rights and climate change.
The Safeguard Mechanism could be used to better manage the exit of coal-fired electricity generators, according to the Australian Industry Group's Tennant Reed.
The Safeguard discussion paper shows Minister Bowen is considering action to prevent an over-supply of either Australian carbon credits, or the new Safeguard credits.
Carbon and energy analyst RepuTex has warned that setting Safeguard limits based on average industry emissions intensities would undermine the integrity of the system.
A new discussion paper says Safeguard emission limits will decline by up to 6% annually, and seeks responses about possible site-specific approaches to protecting competitiveness.