Western Australia's EPA has recommended approval for BHP projects that could boost the state's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4%, and has left open the possibility of carbon offset conditions.
The Northern Territory government today lifted its moratorium on fracking after accepting all recommendations of an independent inquiry, including its call for the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions.
In a landmark development, an inquiry reporting to the Northern Territory government has recommended an onshore shale gas industry should only be allowed if it fully offsets greenhouse gas emissions.
Victoria's 2017-18 budget boosts spending on the state's EPA and sets a new inspections target, while the Northern Territory's budget provides for a new Indigenous carbon unit.
Emissions from a spike in land clearing rates, especially in Queensland, will needlessly cost the economy well over $1 billion between now and 2030, a new report by CO2 Australia shows.
New rules mean that companies, state governments and councils can earn carbon credits by installing anaerobic digesters to treat biosolids removed from effluent.