Submissions on reconsideration of fossil fuel projects under the EPBC Act
Authors
In early November 2022, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek agreed to reassess 18 fossil fuel projects that had previously been approved under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The reassessment was requested by the Environment Council of Central Queensland, represented by the law firm Environmental Justice Australia.
The Australia Institute made submissions on all 18 projects, estimating their greenhouse emissions, putting these emissions in context and adding other comments based on earlier Institute research on these projects.
In total, these projects would produce fossil fuels that would create 17.8 billion tonnes of carbon pollution. For context, world emissions in 2021 were 29.6 billion tonnes. The direct emissions from the operation of these projects combined would reach 662 million tonnes, more than all of Australia’s annual emissions.
Due to their contribution to climate change and other undesirable impacts of these projects on matters of environmental significance, we urge their refusal under the EPBC Act.
APLNG's Gas Supply Security Project submission
Baralaba South Project submission
Boggabri Coal Extension submission
Caval Ridge Mine Horse Pit Extension submission
China Stone coal mine submission
Ensham Life of Mine Extension Project submission
Lake Vermont Meadowbrook Project submission
Meandu Mine King 2 East submission
Moorlands Open Cut Coal Mining Project submission
Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project submission
Narrabri Underground Coal Mine submission
North West Shelf Extension Project submission
Saraji East Mining Lease Project submission
Spur Hill Underground Coal Project submission
The Range Coal Project submission