9 August Navigating the Future: Updates from the US, Japan, and New Zealand August 9, 2024 By AMPLA Admin Environment, International, Resources and Energy 0 As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, nations around the world continue to redefine their strategies to address climate change, energy security, and economic sustainability. In this article, we delve into the latest updates from three diverse countries: the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. Navigating the Future: Updates from the US, Japan, and New Zealand As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, nations around the world continue to redefine their strategies to address climate change, energy security, and economic sustainability. In this article, we delve into the latest updates from three diverse countries: the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. United States President Biden signed the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (the ADVANCE Act) on July 9, 2024 with bipartisan support. The ADVANCE Act supports nuclear reactors by reducing the costs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) passes on for advanced nuclear reactor applications and enabling a financial prize to be awarded to eligible entities that the NRC issues an operative licence for. International engagement and deployment is also encouraged by removing some prohibitions against reactor licences being issued to certain foreign corporations. The Act authorises the NRC to establish the International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch and coordinate work related to nuclear reactor import and export licensing, international regulatory cooperation and coordination. Resourcing for the NRC will also be enhanced and its mission and powers streamlined to make the permit processes simpler. Amongst other changes, this law is intended to enable the deployment of nuclear reactors and encourage international engagement. New Zealand New Zealand Parliament has introduced the Fast-Track Approvals Bill which is intended to streamline the approvals process for major infrastructure projects that have significant regional or national benefits. The objective of the Bill is to boost economic growth through these projects. Some projects are listed in the Bill as eligible to be fast-tracked, while others will need the joint Ministers to be satisfied that the project has significant regional or national benefits. Some projects are also deemed ineligible, including those where the activities occur on identified Maori land. The Bill has attracted criticism as it gives decision-making powers to joint Ministers for fast-tracked approvals. The Ministers will receive independent recommendations from an expert Advisory Group. A Select Committee is reviewing public submissions and is expected to release a report soon. Japan The Japanese parliament introduced two bills relating to the energy sector in May 2024. The Hydrogen Society Promotion Act (Hydrogen Act) will come into effect no later than November 2024. The Hydrogen Act provides for the Government to develop a basic policy to promote the supply and use of low-carbon hydrogen. The basic policy will be formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Business plans that are approved by the Ministries will be eligible for subsidies and other regulatory exemptions. The subsidies will be granted by the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security and are provided to supply low-carbon hydrogen and build common infrastructure required to implement the approved business plans. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will also draft a code of conduct for suppliers of low-carbon hydrogen in their promotion activities. The Carbon Capture and Storage Business Act (CCS Act) will come into effect by May 2026. The CCS Act aims to promote the use of CCS in Japan by introducing a new licensing regime that allows for public tenders in designated specified zones. An operator can put forward a proposal to the Ministry to designate a location as a specified zone if it has not been already. The CCS Act also regulates the operation and safety of CO2 transportation through pipelines for CCS projects. This includes establishing the terms and conditions of third party arrangements and the safety rules that pipeline transporters must abide by. Related Articles Submission - DISER Consultation Paper December 2020 ‘Enhancing Australia’s decommissioning framework for offshore oil and gas activities’ Recent updates in New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam The industry’s legal landscape continues to evolve across the world. This article outlines some recent updates from New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam. Recent updates from Malaysia and Southeast Asia Acknowledging the need in its country, the Government of Malaysia has recently introduced several new programs that aim to improve low carbon and renewable energy generation in the country. Latest developments in the United States, Canada and New Zealand There continues to be significant developments in the sector across the globe. In this article we highlight some key changes in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. Navigating the critical path Gavin Scott, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright, Chair of Business Papers Committee ER Law Conference “Critical” is the word of the moment. The energy transition and everything related to it is critical - from the minerals we’re mining to tax policy and export issues. So this year, the ER Law Annual Conference is focusing on what is critical for those working in energy and resources law to know. FORREST AND FORREST PTY LTD AND MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS [2023] WASAT 28 Western Australia’s State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has rejected a review, by Forrest & Forrest Pty Ltd, against the refusal of consent to impact an Aboriginal site in constructing weirs across the Ashburton River. A unanimous three-member panel published its decision in April 2023. SAT’s decision and reasoning has direct significance and use for anyone involved in processes for a s 18 consent under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and broader relevance for the law around protection of Aboriginal heritage in Western Australia. With the WA Government announcing the reversal of recent statutory changes and a return to the 1972 legislation, SAT’s decision has increased relevance. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.