8. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2022

– in the Senedd at 5:33 pm on 1 February 2022.

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Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 5:33, 1 February 2022

(Translated)

We moved to item 8, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2022. I call on the Minister for Climate Change to move the motion. Julie James.

(Translated)

Motion NDM7899 Lesley Griffiths

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1. Approves that the draft The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2022 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 16 December 2021.

(Translated)

Motion moved.

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 5:33, 1 February 2022

Diolch, Llywydd. I move the motion. I am pleased to be able to bring forward the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2022, which makes minor technical amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020. The effects of these amendments are twofold: firstly, the regulatory and enforcement powers available to national regulators when inspecting premises will be strengthened; secondly, the way the emissions allowances in the scheme are surrendered will be improved.

The Order confers the power to inspect premises to ensure compliance on an authorised person in addition to the regulator, creates an offence of intentionally obstructing persons in the exercise of the enforcement powers, enables a civil penalty to be applied to persons who fail to comply with a notice to return allowances, and includes a requirement to surrender any deficit of allowances from the previous scheme years at the point where an installation's permit has been surrendered or revoked.

Advice was sought from the Committee on Climate Change in drafting the Order. Through the improved regulation of the UK emissions trading scheme, we will be able to better achieve the environmental outcomes envisaged by the scheme. I wish to offer my thanks to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for the scrutiny of the Order, and I commend the motion to the Chamber. Diolch.

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 5:34, 1 February 2022

(Translated)

I have no speakers. I again assume that the Minister doesn't want to reply, and therefore the proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? There is no objection, and therefore the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(Translated)

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment

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