November 2019

ETS Forestry Regulations open for consultation

Proposed changes to Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Forestry Regulations are now open for consultation. Submissions close on 20 December, 2019.

The Regulations are being updated with the operational detail behind the major changes to the ETS for forestry - for example how averaging accounting will work in practice, or how penalties for clear-felling permanent forests will be set.  We want to hear from people familiar with the ETS on how these proposed changes will impact you, and how they will work in practice.

To help interested stakeholders engage with the proposals, we’ll be holding three public meetings:

There’ll be presentations about the proposals as well as the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues in the proposals. Everyone is welcomed to attend and no RSVPs are necessary.

Web resources

We also have a Regulations consultation page on the MPI website.

Here you will find a detailed Discussion Document outlining the proposals, fact sheets and an online submission form. You can also email etsforestregs@mpi.govt.nz or post your submission directly to us.

If you have any questions about the proposed Regulations or the consultation, please email etsforestrychanges@mpi.govt.nz

Submissions close at 5pm on 20 December, 2019.

Climate Change Bill introduced

Alongside the Regulations consultation, the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Bill 2019 is progressing through Parliament. The Bill covers the major decisions about changes to the ETS such as introducing averaging accounting for newly registered forests.

If you are interested in submitting on the changes being introduced through the Bill, there is an opportunity at the Environment Select Committee.

Important links

• ETS Forestry Regulations Consultation page
• Questions about the Regulations consultation - etsforestrychanges@mpi.govt.nz
• Proposed major changes to the ETS for Forestry in the Bill
• Submissions to Environment Select Committee (check this page for the opening of submissions)