Proposed Vic enviro protection regs: large commercial and industrial energy, water users to develop Environment and Resource Efficiency Plan (EREP)

Notice was given in accordance with section ii of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 of the proposed making of the Environment Protection (Environment, and Resource Efficiency Plans) Regulations 2007, in The Age (21/9/2007, p.17). Basic changes: The proposed Regulations were to be made under the Environment Protection Act 1970. The proposed Regulations prescribed requirements for large commercial and industrial energy and water users to develop and implement an Environment and Resource Efficiency Plan (EREP). The proposed Regulations prescribed environmental resources and consumption thresholds that trigger participation in the program. The proposed Regulations also prescribed criteria for the preparation of an EREP, registration and reporting requirements, and criteria for exemptions. A Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 and the Guidelines issued under that Act.

Seeking public comment: The Regulatory Impact Statement concluded that the benefits of making the proposed Regulations outweighed the associated costs. Public comments and submissions were invited on the proposed Regulations and Regulatory Impact Statement by 19 October 2007. EPA encouraged interested parties to make submissions online at http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ereP from 21 September 2007 until 19 October 2007. Details about public information sessions would also be available on this website.

Contact details: Alternatively you may wish to make a submission by e-mail to erep@epa.vic.gov.au Hard copy submissions may be directed to: EREP Public Comments, EPA Victoria, GPO Box 4395QQ, Melbourne, Victoria 3001. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Statement and the proposed Regulations could be obtained by visiting EPA’s website: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au or by contacting EPA’s Information Centre at GPO Box 4395QQ, Melbourne Victoria 3001; telephone: (03) 9695 2722. Gavin Jennings, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

The Age, 21/9/2007, p. 17