Legislation is to be introduced into Parliament to provide a new framework for Western Australia’s response to climate change.
Parliament is to establish a legal framework for responsible reductions to meet Western Australia’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Developed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, the legislation will also formalise the aim to reduce Government emissions by 80 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030.
Minister for Climate Action, Reece Whitby said the framework would give industry, business and investors certainty and stability.
“The legislation will create statutory requirements for the State Government to set interim emission reduction targets and develop strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” Mr Whitby said.
“It means WA will have clear and necessary policies to reduce emissions, helping to mobilise private sector capital for the net zero transition and enhance climate resilience.”
He said climate change was the greatest challenge of our lifetime.
“We need to take decisive action this decade,” the Minister said.
“This legislation will help accelerate our transition to net zero emissions in a responsible and achievable way,” he said.
Acting Minister for Energy, Sue Ellery said the legislation would drive investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies, while helping position the State as a green energy leader.
“It will also enhance business confidence and stimulate change to accelerate WA’s clean energy switch,” Ms Ellery said.
