Ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Clare Bailey MLA has written to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots to outline the detail of an enhanced net-zero Climate Change Bill for Northern Ireland. The Green Party NI Leader’s Private Member’s Bill continues to be supported by Sinn Féin, SDLP, UUP, Alliance, PBP and independent MLAs.
With the support of the co-sponsors of the Bill, Clare Bailey MLA has proposed enhancing the Bill by incorporating some technical details which feature in the Minister’s Bill. Clare Bailey MLA said: “My co-sponsors and I hope that this proposal for an enhanced Climate Change Bill will provide the structure for a single Climate Change Bill to proceed through the Assembly.”
The Green Party Leader continued: “We have listened to concerns expressed by the agriculture sector, and proposed a series of amendments to address them, including the establishment of a just transition fund and safeguards against carbon leakage.”
The South Belfast MLA concluded: “Climate legislation must include a commitment to net-zero emissions, an independent climate office, and just transition principles. Only our Bill includes these vital safeguards for our climate and our future.
“Our Bill remains more advanced in the legislative process, and has maintained its widespread civic and political support. It is clear that it remains the Bill with the best chance of becoming law and providing the strong and ambitious legislative framework that Northern Ireland needs for current and future climate action and a just transition where no one is left behind.”
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Media contact: Jack O’Dwyer-Henry (07504410770)