Centre’s fracking concerns
THE Territory government is preparing to backflip on its commitment of offsetting emissions from fracking the Beetaloo, says the Environment Centre NT.
The organisation believes the government’s policy on greenhouse gas emissions falls short of protecting the environment.
However, a spokeswoman for Environment Minister Eva Lawler said the Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Management for New and Expanding Large Emitters policy built on the “effective environmental regulatory framework the Territory Labor government has created”.
Environment Centre NT codirector Kirsty Howey said the government’s new policy was a step in the wrong direction.
“The 2018 Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the NT chaired by Justice Rachel Pepper (Fracking Inquiry) said that the pollution generated from fracking the Beetaloo Basin was unacceptable and that companies should have to offset all life-cycle emissions from fracking,” Ms Howey said.
“The Gunner government promised to implement emissions offsets from Beetaloo gas mining, but their latest policy doesn’t do that.
“In line with the Fracking Inquiry, Territorians expect the Gunner government to require gas companies to offset their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
“Territorians still have no idea how emissions from fracking the Beetaloo will be offset.”
Ms Lawler’s spokeswoman said the policy, as well as the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Offsets Policy, which is open for public comment, were key achievements in the government’s work towards responding to the impacts of climate change.
“They form part of a suite of initiatives that are being implemented to achieve a net zero emissions by 2050 target that also includes development of an overarching Emissions Reduction Strategy for the Territory,” the spokeswoman said.
“Applying the Large Emitters Policy to the onshore gas exploration and appraisal activities sends a clear signal to this industry that the NT government expects the industry to manage its emissions.”