The bill aims to phase out the burning of coal in Australia by 2030
As world leaders gather in Glasgow for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), new legislation has sought to prohibit the mining and burning of coal in Australia as part of the country's commitment to prevent "catastrophic climate change."
The bill aims to specifically prohibit the mining, burning, export and importation of thermal coal. The latter is burnt in power stations to produce electricity. The bill does not apply to metallurgical coal, which is used in the manufacture of steel.
The new legislation aims to set a schedule of bans that will be implemented, which includes prohibiting the establishment of a new coal mine or coal-fired power station from the date of Royal Assent. The expansion of existing mines or stations is also prohibited from the said date.
The bill will further ban thermal coal export by 2030, with a complete prohibition on mining or burning of coal after 1 January 2030. However, an exception for research or heritage purposes is included in the bill regarding thermal coal importation.
The bill explains that the mining and burning of coal either in Australia or overseas is "the largest cause of climate change."
"Australia is one of the world's largest [exporters] of coal with approximately 85 per cent of the coal mined in [the country] exported and burned overseas."
The bill cites climate change as causing "significant damage to Australia and around the world." It said that coal should "remain in the ground" to prevent climate change's "catastrophic" effects.
A clause that lists the penalties for breach, including imprisonment of up to seven years in some cases, will be included in the bill.
Adam Bandt MP sponsored the bill, which was introduced and read for the first time in the House of Representatives on 25 October.
The COP26 summit concluded today. Its aim was “to bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.”
