A proposed coal mine near the NSW town of Mudgee has been rejected with climate change cited as one of the key reasons.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission rejected the Bylong Valley coal mine, in part, because of the greenhouse gases it would emit and its cost to future generations.
“Coal is the new asbestos, nobody should touch it,” said the Climate Council’s CEO Amanda McKenzie.
“Today’s decision is hugely significant and appropriate just days ahead of the global climate strike and global climate week in New York. This decision is one that considers our young people and future generations,” said Ms McKenzie.
This is not the first time a coal mine has been rejected on climate grounds.
Earlier in the year the Chief Judge of the NSW Land and Environment Court, Brian Preston SC rejected the proposed Rocky Hill coal mine in the Hunter Valley partly because of the emissions it would produce.
The Planning Commission referenced Justice Preston saying ‘the exploitation and burning of a new fossil fuel reserve, which will increase greenhouse gas emissions, cannot assist in achieving the rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gases that are needed…’
“It’s great to see the law finally catching up with the science. We can expect to see more and more polluting fossil fuel companies face climate litigation,” said Ms McKenzie.
“Simply put – coal is on the way out and Australia is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the global renewable boom that is underway. As the sunniest and one of the windiest countries in the world – it is a no-brainer,” she said.
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