The federal government’s decision to expand three coal mines is in line with climate laws, the environment minister says, despite concerns the move could damage credibility in the fight against rising emissions .
The context: Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has approved the expansion of two coal mines in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley and another in the state’s northwest.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said the move undermined the government’s stance on climate action. Australian Conservation Foundation climate program manager Gavan McFadzean called it “grossly irresponsible”.
Plibersek said the decision complied with environmental laws and noted that these were all expansions of existing operations and not new projects.
The key quote: “It is completely irresponsible to approve coal mining when scientists around the world and the International Energy Agency have repeatedly called for a halt to new coal and gas projects if we have the slightest chance of having a safe climate.” -Gavan McFadzean
What else to know: Emissions from the extensions are expected to meet the threshold of the federal government’s safeguard mechanism, which aims to reduce emissions from large industrial sites.
