Labor’s plan to support coal mining out to 2050 fails climate test
The Minns Government’s new strategy for the future of coal mining in NSW, the NSW Coal Industry 2026-2050, fails the climate test by leaving the door wide open for continued coal expansion of existing mines out to 2050 and beyond.
Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and coal & gas spokesperson said:
“Banning new coal mines on greenfield sites sounds promising, but scratch beneath the surface and you realise it’s a meaningless policy if the Government keeps approving expansions of existing mines.”
“This policy still allows coal production to grow, and that’s completely incompatible with a safe climate.
“There are 18 coal mines awaiting approval in NSW. If all approved, these expansions would produce lifecycle greenhouse gases 15 times the current annual emissions of NSW.
“The Net Zero Commission has been crystal clear that expanding coal mining in NSW is not consistent with meeting our emissions targets or the Paris Agreement.”
“It has warned that continued coal expansions will blow out emissions and force deeper cuts across every other sector of the economy.”
“What we need is a clear plan to phase out coal, not another sop to the industry by releasing a policy that entrenches it out to 2050 and beyond,” said Ms Faehrmann.
Sue Higginson, Greens MP and climate spokesperson said:
"Expert legal opinions have already made it clear that the approval of any new, expanded, or extended coal mine is likely to be unlawful under the NSW Climate Change laws and policies.
"Under powers secured for the Net Zero Commission by the Greens, their independent spotlight on coal report highlighted that continuing coal in NSW was incompatible with the legal obligation of the Government to meet emissions reductions targets.