Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Bill 2022

# Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Bill 2022 ## What it does This bill adds new rules to Australia's main environmental law that would require anyone planning a big project to get government approval if it's likely to produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. Right now, major projects only need approval if they affect listed endangered species or protected areas—this extends that requirement to climate impact. ## Why it matters Australia's legally committed to meeting climate targets under international agreements, but currently has no legal mechanism to block high-emission projects just because they're bad for the climate. This bill would close that gap, giving the Environment Minister power to say "no" to major carbon-emitting activities. ## Key details - **Who's affected**: Anyone proposing a project with significant emissions—mining, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and other large-scale operations would likely need approval - **Penalties**: Companies face fines up to 50,000 penalty units (currently around $13.2 million); individuals up to 5,000 units for proceeding without approval - **Starts immediately**: The law would kick in the day after Parliament passes it, meaning no transition period for existing projects