Clean Energy Future

The Clean Energy legislative package has today (12 October 2011) been passed through the House of Representatives.

 The 19 Bills, which comprise the Clean Energy legislation and the Steel Transformation Plan Bill, will put a price on carbon pollution, promote investment in renewable and clean energy technologies and support action to reduce carbon pollution on the land.

The package allows Australia to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that will come as the world tackles climate change and shifts to a clean energy future.

For the first time, Australia will have a price on carbon. This will create incentives to reduce pollution and invest in clean energy.

The legislation represents important environment and economic reforms for Australia. The reforms will ensure that Australia plays its responsible part in global efforts to tackle climate change, and also ensures that Australia reduces its carbon pollution in the most economically efficient manner and includes extensive measures to support jobs and competitiveness.

Australia is one of the top 20 polluting countries in the world. Scientists advise the world is warming and that high levels of carbon pollution risk environmental and economic damage. Taking action sooner rather than later means the transition to a clean energy future can be more gradual, manageable and affordable.

The Bills implement the key elements of the Government’s Securing a Clean Energy Future plan announced on 10 July 2011.

The legislation will now be introduced to the Senate, and aims to be passed through the upper house by the end of the year.