4 June 2009:
CPRS: Passes the House of Representatives, as expected

The draft Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill passed the House of Representatives today, as expected. The legislation passed included Government amendments which focused on the treatment of reforestation projects, as well as measures to prevent liable entities from surrendering excess fixed-price permits in the first year of the CPRS in order to meet future liabilities (see link for details of the legislation ). Amendments were also made to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill. These included more detail on audit requirements for major emitters with CPRS liabilities.

The legislation passed due to the majority held by the Government - the Coalition still does not support the scheme as proposed in the legislation, and continues to argue for a delay. The Senate next sits from June 15 to 25, and it is the Senate the CPRS legislation will face greater difficulties. The independent review commissioned by the Coalition is also due in mid-June.