Woolworths clearly failed to follow its own policy for vetting environmental claims, but wasn't deceptive when it marketed picnicware as compostable, the Federal Court has held.
Federal Parliament has empowered NOPSEMA to regulate the environmental performance of near-shore oil and gas projects, while in its latest bulletin, NOPSEMA has warned companies that they are failing to properly consult.
Major beverage manufacturers including Coca-Cola Amatil, Schweppes and Lion have had a resounding victory this afternoon in their battle against the Northern Territory's container recycling scheme, with the Federal Court ruling the legislation is invalid and needs re-drafting.
A court has invalidated the development consent for a pilot wood pelletising plant in southern NSW because of three errors by Bega Valley Shire Council, although it rejected arguments the council failed to consider climate change impacts from native forest logging.
The Federal Government should double the size of its Green Car Innovation Fund to $1 billion if it proves successful, recommends the Bracks review of the automotive industry. The review, released today, backs including transport in the emissions trading scheme, but warns that imposing vehicle emissions targets as well would be 'overly burdensome'.
Saturday's draft proposal at the 2020 summit for an independent sustainability commission evolved by Sunday afternoon into a call for national sustainability agenda, coupled with audits.
Other 'top ideas' from the climate and sustainability stream include the possibility of requiring new buildings to be carbon neutral from 2020 onwards. And – at the suggestion of Climate Change Minister Penny Wong – giving all Australians the tools to manage their 'personal carbon footprint'.
EPA Victoria trading scheme to start by mid-year (with audio) * NPI releases new fuel tank emissions handbook, Queensland releases stormwater best practice guide * Defence seeks site remediation companies * Petrol vapour project awarded $480,000 federal grant * 'Don't focus on the green consumer' (audio link)
Five Australian companies feature in global 'top 100' sustainability listing * TV sector warned of 'strong political will' to act on energy efficiency * ACTU chief to speak at Davos sustainability forum * Tasmania to draft contamination audit regulations * Environment chiefs to Garnaut – don't give us the third degree
* Australian Industry Group urges fund for water projects * SA Cabinet looks to Greenhouse Friendly scheme in carbon neutral push * ANU professor sets out health challenges of environmental degradation * Victoria seeks advisory council nominees * Ecolabel scheme proposes new draft standard