The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament.

According to Minister for Climate Change James Shaw, the near unanimous vote to pass the Zero Carbon Bill through its first reading signals strong bipartisan support for most aspects of the proposed legislation.

The bill provides the framework, institutions, guidance and targets New Zealand needs to plan climate action that will help limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. It also puts in place the requirement to develop a national adaptation plan to address the impacts of climate change.

“I appreciate the broad support the Bill has received in Parliament to take it to select committee,” Shaw said.  “I acknowledge that there are differing views on aspects of what’s been drafted.”

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With the bill referred to a select committee, the minister is urging New Zealanders to make their submissions on what they think the final shape of this key legislation should look like.

“Select committee is the chance where people can put those views and argue their merits,” Shaw added. “[I] look forward to seeing what comes out of that process.”