Resources minister's emissions offset claim contradicted by independent research
Research shows about 95% of Beetaloo basin emissions this decade would not be offset.
Resources Minister Madeleine King told the National Press Club that her understanding from the Pepper inquiry recommendations is that emissions from the Beetaloo basin gas development are accounted for and offset, but she would have to check.
Research by Naru Research found that about 95% of emissions expected from Beetaloo projects this decade would not have to be offset under current rules. The Pepper inquiry in 2018 recommended full lifecycle emissions offsetting for NT gas developments to prevent increasing Australia's total emissions.
Naru researcher Tim Baxter said King either "isn't across her brief or she's being intentionally misleading". Only some emissions above more than 100,000 tonnes per year at the facility itself need offsetting under the federal safeguard mechanism, not the full lifecycle emissions the Pepper inquiry recommended.
- 95%
- Emissions not offset
- 2018
- Pepper inquiry year
- 100,000 tonnes per year
- Facility threshold
- Tim Baxter
- Researcher
Why it mattersIf the vast majority of Beetaloo emissions are not offset, the expansion could significantly worsen Australia's climate position despite government claims.
AustraliaAustralia's climate commitments and emissions targets could be undermined by gas development in the Northern Territory under current policies.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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