The federal government’s decision to expand three coal mines is in line with climate laws, the environment minister says, despite concerns the move undermines credibility in the fight against rising emissions.
The background: Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has signed off on the expansion of two coal mines in NSW’s Hunter Valley and another in the state’s north-west.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said the decision damaged the government’s position on climate action. Climate program manager at the Australian Conservation Foundation, Gavan McFadzean, described it as “grossly irresponsible”.
Plibersek said the decision was consistent with environmental laws and stressed that these were extensions of existing operations, not new projects.
The key quote: “It is extremely irresponsible to approve coal mines when global scientists and the International Energy Agency have repeatedly called not to start new coal and gas projects if we have any chance of having a safe climate.” – Gavan McFadzean
What else to know: Emissions from the extensions are expected to meet the threshold under the federal government’s safeguard mechanism, which aims to reduce emissions from large industrial sites.