Draft decarbonisation Bill out for consultation

The state government’s draft Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill has been released for consultation as a part of its next step towards supporting the transition to net-zero emissions.

The Bill aims to introduce a greenhouse gas legislative regime, which is similar to the Commonwealth’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

“The provision include property rights for greenhouse gas storage formations, acreage release for greenhouse gas exploration titles, retention leases and injection licences, injection, site closure and long-term liability requirements,” the state government release said.

“Further proposals include the ability to regulate direct access to suitable storage sites under specific circumstances, and to allow for the transport of greenhouse gases by pipelines to depleted petroleum reservoirs and other potential storage sites.”

The draft Bill is open to stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed amendments.

Acting Mines and Petroleum Minister Sue Ellery said the draft Bill was one of the actions the government was taking to support industry as it transitioned to net zero emissions by 2050.

“We know the majority of Western Australia’s industrial and resources sectors share our decarbonisation ambitions, and this legislative reform is an important tool in our efforts,” she said.

“Not only are the legislative amendments key to decarbonising the industry, but they will also provide the regulatory certainty needed to facilitate investment, job creation and the growth of our state.”