Australia approves 43% greenhouse gas cut law

Australia's Senate on Thursday voted to ensure the government's elevated target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade is enshrined in law.

The Senate passed legislation supporting the target in a vote of 37 to 30 even though several senators who supported it wanted a more ambitious 2030 target. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the Senate vote provided certainty to clean energy investors while strengthening transparency and accountability in Australia's carbon reduction processes. Independent senator David Pocock insisted on several amendments touching on transparency and accountability before he supported the bill. But unlike the Senate, the government holds a majority in the House which ensures the amendments will become law.