Reforming the National Electricity Objective is “a win for human health”, according to Australia’s peak body on climate change and health, the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA).

Australia’s energy ministers have today endorsed putting environmental considerations into the National Electricity Objective (NEO), which guides how energy regulators approve power generation and transmission projects.

CAHA CEO Mr Roland Sapsford said, “We welcome this overdue commitment to an emissions objective in the NEO.

“Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is a world-leading cause of death and poor health outcomes. It is estimated to cause 1451 premature deaths per year in Australia.

“Fossil fuels also drive dangerous global heating. As temperatures rise, more bushfires, dust and summertime smog will pollute the air we breathe and affect our health.

“Including emissions in the NEO will encourage more renewable energy into our electricity market. We’ll see less local air pollution from burning fossil fuels, and fewer carbon emissions.

“CAHA is heartened to see state and federal governments working together to support a safer environment and healthier communities. While there is always more to do, this long overdue change is an important step in the right direction.

“There is much more to do, but it's great progress to see state and federal governments working together to make sure our electricity system is supporting a safe environment and healthy communities.

“For the health of the Australian population, we need to support renewable energy.”

Media contact: Remy Shergill, [email protected], 0423 075 895

[1] Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem

[2] Open Letter: Call for clean energy by 2030 from Australian medical colleges