Low Carbon Kāpiti Blog

Some good news – the Environment Select committee has recently reported back on changes to the Resource Management Act. They have backed our call (and that of many others) that the ban on councils considering the effects of greenhouse gas emissions from proposed developments is repealed.

This change would take effect from 31 Dec 2021. it’s a while a way but still far sooner than it might have been if left until round 2 of the RMA amendment work. The campaign continues to ensure Government implements the committees recommendations and gives councils clear direction that they must actually use these new powers to regulate emissions, and how.

A summary of the committee’s recommendations can be found here: https://www.brookfields.co.nz/publications/environmental-resource-mangement/477-key-recommendations-of-the-select-committee-on-the-resource-management-amendment-bill

Prepared by LCK member David Yockney with assistance from Irene Thomas and Jake Roos.

V3 LCK Submission on the Comprehensive Review of the Resource Management Act-1-2-20 v3

For background on the review see: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/rmreview 

The Resource Management Act is currently under review. It sets out the system and rules for planning authorities (mainly councils) to approve or reject applications for new developments of all kinds.

The 2004 amendment to the RMA specifically prohibits planning authorities from considering the global warming effect of greenhouse gas emissions.  The offending sections are 104E and 70A both of which state that “…a regional council must not have regard to the effects of (such a) discharge on climate change….”

But none of the proposed changes to the RMA in this bill reverse this, or require consideration of the Zero Carbon Bill.

This is simply outrageous. We are in the midst of a worsening climate crisis and this law means planning authorities must make their decisions as if the applications for developments have no bearing on it, which is absurd. Think of dairy conversions, motorways, coal mines or fossil fuelled power stations – all of it up for approval with absolutely no consideration of what it will do to NZ’s carbon pollution, which needs to come down to net-zero as soon as possible, but is still surging upwards.

This  ties the hands of local authorities when it comes to limiting the emissions coming from their districts. They require more powers to help address the climate crisis.

This must be addressed.

The government must use this bill to repeal sections 104E and 70A of the RMA.

The government should also add a clause to the bill that requires planning authorities to have regard to the objectives of the Zero Carbon Act, its targets and carbon budgets in decisions on whether to grant resource consent applications.

Please make a submission to the Government before midnight on Thursday 7 November at this link:

https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/52SCEN_SCF_BILL_91358/resource-management-amendment-bill

[Read more…] about Let councils regulate carbon emissions! Please have your say by 7 November

Submissions close Friday 20 September at 5pm, so get in quick!

Right now, our Government is consulting on its ten year plan for our petroleum and minerals sector. We need to stand together and make sure our voices are heard above those of the oil sector’s lobbyists. 

The Government’s consultation is really simple. It’s a survey which focuses on the values and principles that should guide the future of petroleum and minerals in Aotearoa.

Please make a submission: you can complete it here: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/development-of-a-resource-strategy/resource-strategy-consultation-questionnaire/ 

It is really critical that government’s are consistent with halting global heating, and that means a rapid fossil-fuel extraction phase out. At the moment the draft strategy includes nothing on this and makes it appear fossil fuels can somehow keep being used indefinitely, which is plain crazy.

Low Carbon Kāpiti have produced a submission copied below and downloadable here. Please have a read and use whatever parts you wish in your response. Note that the online form cannot be saved halfway through – you have to put all your responses in in one go. You are not required to respond to every question.

Many thanks!

[Read more…] about Have your say on the draft Resource Strategy for minerals and petroleum

If you want to buy an EV but need it to be more affordable, this is your chance!

The Clean Car Standard would set a limit on the carbon pollution of vehicles brought into the country – at the moment there are no standards and as a result NZ has the dirtiest fleet in the OECD. Because of their inefficiency, despite our fuel being cheaper than some other countries, our cars cost more to run on average.

Separately, the Clean Car Discount policy would levy a fee on the sale of the most polluting vehicles and provide a discount on the cleaner ones, making it revenue neutral. Ministry of Transport analysis shows these policies wold save the country billions overall and cut emissions.

Low Carbon Kāpiti’s view is the introduction of these policies is a good thing and should be supported, despite the fact some of the settings are too weak and slow. Once the policy structures are in, the settings can be adjusted. What we don’t want is the government dropping this altogether due to lack of public support and nothing being done for years. There is an anti-campaign being run by the Opposition for short term political gain, so it is vital support is shown. If you want to buy an EV but need it to be more affordable, this is your chance to make it happen! [Read more…] about Please make a quick sub on the ‘Clean Car’ proposals before 5pm 20 August