Bushfire survivors have called on the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to ensure all key emitters are covered and that limits to greenhouse gas emissions are legally enforceable within the next three years. 

The draft EPA policy released after Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) successfully argued in the NSW Land and Environment Court that the regulator had a duty to take serious action on climate change. If adopted, it would make NSW the first state to treat greenhouse gases as a pollutant.

While BSCA welcomes this significant moment for climate action, bushfire survivors and regional communities want to see the EPA go further to reduce NSW’s greenhouse gas emissions this decade.

In its submission, the BSCA said:

• Emissions reductions targets need to be comprehensive, science-based and legally enforceable within the next three years and consistently applied to new and existing environment protection licences. It is essential that all key emitters are covered by these limits to ensure this process delivers real impact in reducing emissions.

• A coordinated and enforceable approach to climate considerations must be embedded in all government agencies and departments, including the Department of Planning and Environment, which is currently exempt from considering NSW's climate targets. The final policy must make it clear there is no room for new coal and gas if we are to keep global warming within safe limits as stated by the International Energy Agency.

• Continuing to burn fossil fuels will lead to more frequent, intense and severe bushfires right across NSW, and with climate impacts already baked into the system we need strong regulation of existing climate polluting projects to safeguard against climate change. 

• The policy must reflect the urgency of the climate challenge we are currently experiencing. Gathering data and ensuring a methodical and comprehensive approach is important but we can not leave the majority of actions proposed for 2-3 years because this is the critical decade for climate action. 

• The EPA should use its existing regulatory tools to regulate greenhouse gas pollution now, in line with science-based targets and not wait to consider stronger regulatory responses in the future.

• Emerging technologies should prioritise renewable technologies and not technologies that prop up the continued use of fossil fuels including offsets and carbon capture and storage.

Fiona Lee, who lost her home in 2019, said: “Our court win and this plan reflects an important cultural shift in recognising the EPA’s duty to act on climate change.

“While this is a huge step forward for our state, the proposed policy leaves the door open to new coal and gas projects. The final policy needs to be clear that there is no room for new coal and gas if we are to protect NSW communities from climate harms.

 “There has also been a real disconnect between planning assessment and outcomes, and the NSW's stated goals of solving climate change. This approach should include other agencies responsible for industry and agriculture, because an integrated approach is crucial for long-term policy success. 

 “Bushfire survivors, and the regional communities we come from, want urgent action on climate change. As stewards of the environment, the EPA must help keep regional communities safe from the impacts of worsening extreme weather events, including bushfires.”

 Photo: Matt Palmer/Unsplash