Three states have signed up to independent scientific checks on coal seam gas and large coal mining projects but NSW is lagging behind, a new report says.
The COAG Reform Council on Monday released a report on the states' progress in complying with a new national independent expert scientific committee (IESC), which was set up last year to offer advice on future CSG and large coal mining projects.
Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have made it law that decisions on CSG or large coal mining proposals will be informed by the advice of the committee.
NSW has published a protocol and released draft regulatory amendments for comment.
There have been concerns about CSG's impact on water resources, the environment and agricultural land.
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COAG Reform Council chairman John Brumby said the public demanded that states receive the best possible scientific advice when considering future CSG projects.
"CSG exploration might be a contentious issue, but it has a place in Australia's future energy security and economic development," Mr Brumby said.
"It is important for states involved in making decisions on CSG and large coal mining exploration to improve the community's confidence by informing those decisions with independent expert advice."
Having made law and regulation changes, Victoria, Queensland and SA are entitled to a share of $20 million.
As of April, 15 CSG or large mining projects have been referred to the national scientific panel.
