Statement on Federal EPBC Act reform legislation

“Avoiding and minimising environmental impact is part of every industry's responsibility and is taken seriously by the clean energy sector.

“The Clean Energy Council welcomes the introduction of legislation to create the new Environment Protection Australia (EPA) and Environment Information Australia (EIA) agencies.

“It is critical that the new EPA is able to process applications in a timely manner. This will require a consistent process for handling applications as well clear and practical guidance on how different types of projects will be assessed.

“Equally important is that stop the clock provisions in circumstances where additional information is required must be subject to clear and narrow guardrails to prevent indefinite delays.

“The 'nature positive' legal framework needs to integrate the significant benefit to biodiversity that comes from reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Climate change is one of the most serious threats to many of Australia's threatened species and ecosystems and renewable energy is uniquely placed to mitigate that threat.

“Renewable energy projects inevitably have some local environmental impacts.

“But we must also consider the role renewable energy projects play in reducing climate change's impact on biodiversity.

“It is unreasonable to consider the downside of a project without also considering its upside.”