Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Protecting Environmental Heritage) Bill 2024

High-Level Summary
The bill proposes to introduce a new trigger under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for large-scale wind and solar projects, ensuring these developments undergo environmental impact assessments to prevent significant harm to the natural environment.

Summary
The bill amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 by adding a new Subdivision FC to Division 1 of Part 3. This amendment mandates that large-scale wind and solar energy projects must undergo a review to determine their potential environmental impact. The bill establishes civil penalties and offence provisions for projects likely to harm the natural environment unless they are approved under Part 9 of the EPBC Act. This process is similar to existing triggers for coal, coal seam gas, and nuclear actions, aiming to provide adequate oversight and protection for environmental land.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Environmentalism
  2. Egalitarianism

The bill should be supported because it ensures that the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects does not compromise local ecosystems and biodiversity. By instituting mandatory reviews for large-scale wind and solar projects, the bill promotes a balanced approach to environmental protection and sustainable development [Judgment]. It addresses the lack of coordinated assessment in current practices, thereby protecting both the environment and the interests of local communities who may be adversely affected by unregulated developments.

Furthermore, the bill aligns with principles of environmental justice, as it seeks to ensure that all communities, regardless of their socio-economic status, have a say in the environmental impacts that affect their local areas. This promotes equality in environmental decision-making [Judgment].


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Propertarianism
  2. Value-Neutral / Epistemic Objection

The bill should be opposed because it could introduce additional regulatory hurdles that may delay the deployment of renewable energy projects, which are essential for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change [Judgment]. The added layer of review might discourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure at a critical time when such investments are needed most.

Moreover, the bill could be seen as an unnecessary expansion of governmental oversight, potentially infringing on property rights and the ability of developers to use their land as they see fit. This could stifle innovation and economic growth in the renewable energy sector, ultimately hindering progress towards a sustainable energy future [Judgment].


Date:

2024-02-27

Status:

Before Senate

Sponsor:

CANAVAN, Sen Matthew

Portfolio:

Unspecified

Categories:

Climate Change / Environment, Energy Policy, Infrastructure

Timeline:
27/02/2024

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