
	Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007

Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007

The nation's first climate change legislation became law on 3 July 2007.

The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 makes South Australia the first place in Australia to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.

The legislation sets out three targets:

to reduce by 31 December 2050 greenhouse gas emissions within the State by at least 60% to an
amount that is equal to or less than 40% of 1990 levels as part of a national and international response to climate change

to increase the proportion of renewable electricity generated so it comprises at least 20 per cent of electricity generated in the State by 31 December 2014

to increase the proportion of renewable electricity consumed so that it comprises at least 20 per cent of electricity consumed in the State by 31 December 2014.

The legislation also commits the Government to work with business and the community to develop and put in place strategies that will put South Australia in a position to take early action to reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change.

The way through the parliamentary process...

The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 6 December 2006 following a consultation period in mid 2006. The Bill passed through the House of Assembly on 7 March 2007. It then passed through the Legislative Council on 29 March 2007 with amendments. It then returned to the House of Assembly for further consideration, before being passed on 20 June 2007. The legislation was proclaimed on 2 July 2007, with the Act to come into operation on 3 July 2007.