Australia closer to passing reforms reducing emissions

Labor Party administration announced implementing Safeguard Mechanism reforms to compel chief greenhouse gas polluters to reduce emissions, according to abc news published on Tuesday.

The legislation was passed Monday by the House of Representatives, reported by the Associated Press. Given the Greens’ 11 senators backing, the government only needs the support of another two senators to get the reforms through the upper chamber.

Ted O’Brien, opposition energy spokesperson called proposed reforms “a plan to deindustrialize” the Australian economy instead of a plan to decarbonize it. O’Brien further stated such reforms would drive investment in Australian industry sector offshore.

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie, on the other hand, welcomed proposed measurements. McKenzie called this move “the Federal Parliament’s first reform to genuinely cut pollution in a decade.” Previous Australian administrations had less ambitious goals of cutting emissions by 26-28 percent.

Reforms to be implemented are essential for Australia to reach its emissions target. Emissions are set to be reduced 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said proposed reforms would reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 205 million metric tons.

Such effect would be equivalent in effect to taking off two-thirds of Australia’s cars from streets.