A historic ruling by Australia’s highest court has struck down the approval of a coalmine expansion in New South Wales, marking the country’s first climate change case to reach the High Court. The decision declares that exported greenhouse gas emissions must be considered in environmental assessments, sending a direct challenge to governments and fossil fuel companies. Legal experts say the verdict could reshape future approvals for similar projects, setting a new standard for accountability. The judgment underscores growing judicial scrutiny over Australia’s fossil fuel industry and its climate impact.
High court finding in favour of Hunter Valley community group sets precedent other environmentalists should follow, advocate saysA landmark decision in Australia’s first climate change high court case has been described as a clear message to governments and fossil fuel companies that exported greenhouse gas emissions “cannot simply be ignored”.On Wednesday morning, the nation’s highest court ruled that the approval of MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coalmine expansion in NSW’s Hunter Valley was invalid, in a judgment that sets a precedent for fossil fuel projects in the state. Continue reading...
