New CBM Restrictions To Further Hit NSW Appeal

摘要

The CBM(also known as coal seam gas)industry in New South Wales has taken another hit from more regulations introduced by the local government.Reforms formally introduced on January 28 will see approximately 5.3mn hectares(ha)of the state's residential andagriculturalareaseitherexcludedfromCBMoperationsorcom- panies required to adhere to more stringent rules before operations are permitted.Specifically: 1.2.7mnhaoflandwillbeexcludedfromallCBMoperations; 2.2.8mn ha of land will be safeguarded,through the need for companiestocomplywiththeGatewayprocessbeforeopera- tions are permitted.The process entails a detailed scientific study and assessment by a state panel on the agricultural im- pact of mining or CBM operations,which is required before a firm can submit an application for CBM developments; 3.Implementation of'critical industry clusters'in the Upper Hunter area,where no CBM activity is permitted.