{
  "id": 14022732,
  "title": "Loophole allowing new coal and gas to avoid stricter climate laws",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/loophole-allowing-new-coal-and-gas-to-avoid-stricter-climate-laws",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T18:46:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-13/safeguard-mechanism-loophole-coal-expansions/107246600"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Climate Council has accused the coal and gas industry of exploiting a loophole to bypass stricter climate laws when expanding their operations. Under the Safeguard Mechanism, which regulates greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry, new coal and gas mines are subject to more stringent best-practice emissions limits. However, existing mines that undergo expansions or extensions are exempt from these stricter standards. This discrepancy allows the industry to add new emissions without having to comply with the more rigorous requirements.\n\nAccording to modelling by Reputex, across 22 planned coal and gas expansions and extensions over the next decade, these facilities will be able to emit 11 times more greenhouse gases than if they were treated as new projects. The Climate Council argues that this \"loophole\" should be closed to ensure a more level playing field and to achieve Australia's net-zero emissions target by 2050.\n\nThe Safeguard Mechanism is currently under review, and the government is set to decide next year whether to implement steeper emissions reductions. If the industry is not treated the same for expansions and new mines, the Climate Council estimates an additional 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be released by 2035. The recent approval of a major coalmine extension in the Hunter Valley exemplifies the potential impact of this loophole, as the extension will result in emissions 60% higher than if it were classified as a new project. Despite these significant emissions, the mine's extension was approved due to perceived benefits, such as job creation and tax revenue. The Climate Council emphasizes that mining operations should not be encouraged to continue expanding if they cannot meet the best-practice emissions standards.",
  "summary": "The Climate Council says coal and gas mines are using a \"loophole\" to expand operations and add new emissions while avoiding stricter emissions laws for new coal and gas.",
  "key_points": [
    "Coal and gas industry exploits loophole to bypass stricter climate laws",
    "Existing mines exempt from best-practice emissions limits during expansions",
    "11 times more greenhouse gases emitted than if treated as new projects"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}