National identifies Zero Carbon Bill changes
National has concerns with the Zero Carbon Bill as reported back from Select Committee and we have outlined the changes we’d like to see, National’s Climate Change spokesperson Scott Simpson says.
National seeks the following changes to the Zero Carbon Bill:
1. That the target
for biological methane reduction be recommended by the
independent Climate Change Commission.
2. That the Bill
make clear the stated aim of the Paris Agreement is for
greenhouse gas reduction to occur in a manner that does not
threaten food production. Currently the Bill cherry-picks
from the Agreement.
3. Strengthen provisions that
consider the level of action being taken by other countries
and allow targets to be adjusted to ensure we remain in step
with the international community.
4. That the Bill
ensure the Commission consider economic impacts when
providing advice on targets and emissions reductions.
5. That the Bill ensure the Commission consider the
appropriate use of forestry offsets, and have regard for the
carbon sink represented by tree crops, riparian planting,
and other farm biomass.
6. That emissions budgets be
split between biogenic methane and carbon dioxide as
recommended by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the
Environment.
7. That the Bill include a greater
commitment to investment in innovation and research and
development to find new solutions for reducing emissions.
“These changes would improve the Bill and ensure it is
in line with National’s climate change principles of
taking a pragmatic technological and science-based approach.
“National believes the Bill will negatively impact the New Zealand economy and increase costs to Kiwi families and businesses while slowing GDP growth. We think those negative impacts should be made clear to New Zealanders.
“The changes we are seeking would ensure incentives drive the right long-term change and that the wider impact on economy, jobs and incomes are fully factored in. We need to protect everyday New Zealanders as our emissions reduce.”