Amending South Australia’s climate change legislation
Stronger Climate Change Legislation
The South Australia Government will be reviewing and amending the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 with the aim of updating greenhouse gas emission targets and strengthening climate action.
More information on this review will be available soon. To stay informed, subscribe here.
The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 made South Australia the first Australian state to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
The legislation 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.
Government reporting on the legislation
The Minister for Environment and Water is required to prepare regular progress reports and reviews under two sections of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007.
Section 7 requires a report on the operation of the Act on a two-yearly basis. The 2009 report, and every alternate report thereafter, must include a report from the CSIRO on targets set under the Act.
Section 21 requires a review of the Act and its operation to be conducted on a four-yearly basis.
Read reports provided under Section 7 and Section 21 of the Act.
