Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has approved the drafting of the Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill which aims to provide Western Australia’s mining, LNG and natural gas industries opportunities to decarbonise through mineral carbonation and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

The Bill follows the WA Government’s WA Climate Policy and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for Major Projects.

There will be broad consultation with the resources industry and WA community on any proposed legislative amendments before the Bill is finalised. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association and Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA are already supportive of this reform.

APPEA WA Director Claire Wilkinson said: “The oil and gas industry is committed to net zero emissions by 2050, with some companies planning to reach that commitment earlier.”

“Billions of dollars have already been invested by our sector in cleaner energy technologies such as CCS and hydrogen.

“Our technological expertise, deep knowledge of WA’s subsurface environment and our commitment to reducing emissions provide us with an advantage to deliver more CCS as well as ultimately support a new hydrogen industry with this process.”

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the Bill will provide resources projects with further long-term certainty while protecting and creating more jobs in the sector.

“The Bill is one of a number of options the McGowan Government is exploring to deal with climate change and we are working hard to ensure the proposed technologies are safe and secure.

“Decarbonising WA’s resources sector and developing a legislative framework to support these goals is essential to the growth and economic diversification of our State.”

Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said the State Government has to play a leadership role in reducing carbon emissions.

“We are currently working on a plan to cut emissions from our own activities, with a focus on an interim target for 2030 – and we look forward to announcing what that looks like.”