Zero Carbon Act weakening announced
Harm -9What happened
Announced changes to Climate Change Response Act: remove CCC advice requirement before Emissions Reduction Plans; reduce public consultation on emissions budgets; allow ERP amendments without consultation; remove ETS-NDC alignment requirement; biennial ETS settings. Amendment bill expected 2026.
Why it matters
Would weaken independent scrutiny and public process around emissions budgets and plans.
Impact assessment
Announced structural weakening of Zero Carbon Act process (CCC advice, consultation, ETS-NDC alignment). Scored as moderate harm while still provisional - re-score if/when enacted.
Limitations: Legislation not yet passed (expected 2026). Re-score when bill enacted.
Attribution
shared (medium confidence) -National, ACT
Climate Minister Simon Watts announcement; ACT deregulation agenda aligned.
Coalition period: National-led coalition (with ACT & NZ First) (27 November 2023 - present)