A decision by the federal government to extend three coal mines is in line with climate laws, the environment minister says, despite concerns the move undermines credibility in tackling rising emissions.
The background: Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek signed off on extensions to two coal mines in the NSW Hunter Valley and another in the state's north-west.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said the decision damaged the government's standing on climate action. Climate program manager at the Australian Conservation Foundation Gavan McFadzean described it as "grossly irresponsible".
Plibersek said the decision was consistent with environmental laws, and noted they were all extensions on existing operations, not new projects.
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The key quote: "It is grossly irresponsible to be approving coal mines when global scientists and the International Energy Agency have repeated calls for no new coal and gas projects if we have any chance of having a safe climate." - Gavan McFadzean
What else to know: It is expected emissions from the extensions meet the threshold under the federal government's safeguard mechanism, which aims at reducing emissions from large industrial sites.
Read more: What is the safeguard mechanism and could it stop catastrophic climate change?
