Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - August, 2012
A new $90 million partnership between the Federal and Victorian Governments will aim to ensure a ‘bright future’ for the state’s Latrobe Valley coal industries in a future low emissions economy, according to Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson.
Mr Ferguson joined his Victorian counterpart Michael O’Brien in launching the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program, which will fund development and deployment of emerging technologies to improve the economic recovery of brown coal and reduce emissions from coal-fired electricity generation.
“The Program will ensure continued opportunities for economic growth, employment in the Latrobe Valley region and a sustainable source of energy for Victorian industries and households,” Mr Ferguson said.
Queensland proposes new CSG water rules
The Queensland Government has proposed new rules to govern the management of water and brine produced by the coal seam gas industry.
Independence of coal seam gas expert committee questioned
The ABC’s Lateline program has questioned the independence of the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development, set up in May by the Federal Government to provide advice on impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining proposals on water resources, claiming it comprises members with financial links to the mining and gas industry.
Queensland passes Greentape Reduction Bill
The Queensland Government has passed its Greentape Reduction Bill, reducing the Environmental Protection Act by 90 pages and aiming to save businesses on average $20,000 in costs, 150 pages in paper work and 68 days in processing time.