Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act – Draft Amendment Bill
Stronger Climate Change Legislation
The South Australia Government is amending the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 to update the greenhouse gas emission reduction and renewable electricity targets and strengthen requirements around government planning, risk assessment and action on climate change.
Public consultation on the draft Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024 has now closed.
Visit the YourSAy webpage to view the amendments. Updates about the draft Bill will be provided on YourSAy and on this page.
The legislation currently sets out three targets:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the state by at least 60% to an amount that is equal to or less than 40% of 1990 levels by 31 December 2050 as part of a national and international response to climate change
- increase the proportion of renewable electricity generated so it comprises at least 20% of electricity generated in the state by 31 December 2014
- increase the proportion of renewable electricity consumed so that it comprises at least 20% of electricity consumed in the state by 31 December 2014.
The updates to the Act will seek to update these targets to reflect our state’s commitments to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, at least 50% net emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030.
The draft Bill proposed to update the renewable electricity target in the Act to 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2030 in line with a previous commitment made by the South Australian Government. On 27 February 2024, the South Australian Government announced a more ambitious target of achieving 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2027.
The amendments will also introduce stronger planning and policies to help us achieve these targets and manage climate risk. These include:
- regular five yearly emissions reduction targets to be set from 2030 until 2050
- preparation of a state-wide emissions reduction plan
- a state-wide climate risk assessment to identify climate related risks and opportunities and inform adaptation planning
- the ability for the Premier to nominate a public sector entity to prepare a plan for an entity or sector relating to climate change mitigation or adaptation or both
- public sector action and reporting on reducing emissions and managing climate risk in government operations and activities.
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