[Greens-Media] Court shows need for climate trigger in federal environment law

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

Court shows need for climate trigger in federal environment law

20.9.07

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said she was disappointed at the decision of
the Federal Court today to reject a bid to overturn a decision by
Minister Turnbull not to assess the environmental impact of the giant
Anvil Hill coal mine.

The mine recently bought by the coal giant Xtrata will produce over 10.5
million tonnes of coal a year.

"This highlights the major flaw in federal environmental law which does
not require the government to consider the full impact of the mine on
climate change," Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said.

"This giant coal mine will be a major contributor to global warming yet
the court has now confirmed our environmental laws do not take that into
account."

"It seems that Australia's law really is blind when it comes to climate
change."

"But this decision does not let the Environment Minister off the hook."

"He could and should intervene to assess and stop this giant coal mine."

"Like the Tasmanian pulp mill, Anvil Hill is a major test of the big
parties' commitment on climate change and the environment."

"So far they are failing the climate change test."

"On his first day as Environment Minster Malcolm Turnbull approved a
coal project and since then he has approved four more. He is failing as
Environment Minister to protect our planet.

"This is just one battle. The Greens will continue the fight with the
community of the Hunter Valley to stop this mine."

For more information: Kristian Bolwell 0411638320