Western Australia’s peak environment group has called on Commonwealth Minister Angus Taylor to provide evidence to support his recent claims that Western Australia’s biggest polluters are actually helping the climate.

Western Australia’s peak conservation group has responded to the release of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)’s climate change guidance statement, labeling the EPA’s approach as a ‘lifeline’ for WA’s biggest polluters in the liquified natural gas (LNG) sector.

Western Australia’s peak environment group is seeking urgent clarification from the WA Government on a carbon pollution reduction target for WA, after it was reported that Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has ruled out a target ahead of public consultation on the government’s promised climate change policy.

Data on carbon pollution from Australian states and territories released today by the Australian Department of Environment and Energy shows that out-of-control growth in LNG pollution in WA is putting Australia’s Paris targets at risk, according to Western Australia’s peak environment group.

Environment groups have welcomed Premier McGowan’s statement at an oil and gas conference that the WA Government would consider going it alone on climate policy, saying such action could deliver thousands of new jobs and huge investment opportunities, which would not be realised WA under a national approach.

The world’s leading scientists have issued an urgent alarm, saying that this is the critical decade for action on climate change and the environment. This means the policies of the next Australian Government will be absolutely critical to our future. And that’s why tens of thousands of Australians are standing up and taking action to make this the “Climate Election”.

Conservation groups have welcomed moves towards improving transparency and increased publication of data on wildlife habitat clearing, as part of an announcement by the McGowan Government.

The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) has condemned the federal approval of the Yeelirrie uranium project as secretive and driven by politics rather than due process. Environment Minister Melissa Price, the member for Durack, signed off on the contested mine proposal the day before the federal election was called.

Conservation groups have renewed calls for the State Government to take urgent action against WA’s biggest polluter, following revelations that Chevron’s ongoing failure to meet pollution control conditions at its Barrow Island LNG project is leading to workers and wildlife being exposed to toxic airborne emissions, including BTEX and mercury.

Conservation groups have reacted with dismay and anger to the news that the McGowan Government has signed a new 20-year logging deal with the Morrison Government on the eve of an election, in a move they say is designed to prevent a scientific inquiry under a Federal Labor government. The groups are calling for the agreement to be revoked.