An amended version of a bill establishing a framework for developing policy aimed at irreversible and gradual reduction of Dutch greenhouse gas emissions to reduce global warming and climate change was presented to the Dutch parliament on 27 January 2017. This bill is also known as the Climate Act. Its objectives are to reduce current levels of greenhouse gas emissions (as compared with 1990) by at least 55% by 2030 and by at least 95% by 2050. According to the bill, the share of renewable energy sources should be 100% by 31 December 2050. The government has to issue a climate policy every five years, specifying its climate objectives and associated measures for the next five-year period.
Drafters amended the bill after receiving the Council of State's opinion on the original bill. One of the amendments includes the appointment of a Climate Commission. This Climate Commission will advise the government on its compliance with the Climate Act. Where the Climate Commission advises on the national emission budget, the government may only derogate from the advice if it explains why it does. The Climate Commission will not be responsible for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions; this is the role of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL).
Below are links to the amended bill and the accompanying explanatory memorandum (in Dutch only).
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