Australia steps toward making big polluters reduce emissions

Canberra, March 27 (BNA): The Australian government took a big step toward implementing a major climate policy that would force major greenhouse gas emitters to reduce emissions, and the tiny Greens party pledged their support on Monday.

The centre-left Labor administration has said so-called safeguards reforms are necessary for Australia to reach its target of cutting its emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade. The Associated Press (AP) reports that the reforms will cap emissions in the country and force Australia’s 215 biggest polluters to reduce their emissions over time.

The Climate Council, a leader in climate communication, has described the reforms as the first Australian legislation in a decade that will regulate greenhouse gas pollution.

With the support of the 11 Green Party senators, the government only needs the support of two non-aligned or junior senators in order for the reforms to pass through the Senate. Greens leader Adam Bandt said capping emissions would mean half of Australia’s proposed 116 new coal and gas projects would not go ahead.

MI