Browsing: <a href="/tag/nsw">NSW</a> <i class="grey">•</i> <a href="/tag/qld">Queensland</a>

• National Water Commission to scrutinise water use by mines
  
• Federal energy program issues detailed efficiency guide
  
• NSW issues exemptions for land-applied wastes
  
• Shipping company fined $35,000
  
• Queensland council fined $40,000
  
• National Pollutant Inventory offers training on new reporting system
  
• Queensland EPA offers sustainability grants
  
• GM crops a boon for regional economies, ABARE says

NSW today introduced a bill to establish a 'clean coal' fund that could receive hefty contributions from the coal industry. But, unlike similar Queensland legislation passed last year, it doesn't commit the state to lobby for industry contributions to be treated as offsets under an emissions trading regime.



Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong announced funding for cleaner coal projects in China and for a carbon accounting pilot project to help China prepare for 'possible participation in future global carbon markets'.

An OECD review of Australia's environmental performance says serious breaches are 'inadequately prosecuted' in some jurisdictions and recommends that enforcement be strengthened, especially against big polluters.



The OECD also says voluntary measures often don't have 'meaningful' monitoring and compliance mechanisms and recommends greater use of economic instruments.

Federal government proposes new guidance on estimating GHG emissions * NSW to overhaul approach to wastes of concern * EPA Victoria sets November 2009 deadline for Shell's refinery clean up plan *



National Pollutant Inventory online reporting tool set to go live * EREP obligation kicks in for Victorian business * Growth in coal seam methane prompts Queensland EPA to look at by-product water