Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission in response to the consultation paper on the design of an Australian fuel efficiency standard (FES). EDO has long advocated for reforms to address emissions from the transport sector, and that transport planning should be better linked to strategic planning and emissions reduction targets.
Given transport emissions account for 19% amount of Australia’s emissions and the sector is projected to be the largest source of emissions by 2030, the implementation of a FES is a long overdue measure in addressing climate change. EDO also notes the co-benefits to decarbonising the transport sector – particularly the public health benefits from reducing air pollution.
EDO supports the implementation of a fuel efficiency standard in Australia and makes several recommendations in relation to its design and operation.
