Petroleum Bill amendments strengthen regulation and security for green energy

Bill to modernise Petroleum Acts and enable exploration and production of naturally occurring hydrogen

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has today announced the release of draft laws to support the State's emerging hydrogen industry and modernise existing petroleum legislation.

The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2 2022) seeks to amend the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 (PGERA), Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 (PPA) and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 (PSLA).

The Bill addresses a number of urgent petroleum operational-based amendments to the three Petroleum Acts relating to environmental aspects, royalty calculation, underground storage and additives.

It will also enable the exploration and production of naturally occurring hydrogen. By introducing the new concept of 'regulated substances', the Bill proposes that these activities be regulated under the legislative framework within the PGERA and PSLA.

A 12-week consultation period will now begin for stakeholders to provide their feedback on the proposed amendments.

For more information, visit www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/content/open-consultations.

Feedback submissions will close at 5pm, Friday 24 February 2023.

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting Western Australia's emerging hydrogen industry and the role it has to play in our State's clean energy future.

"Not only will this Bill modernise the Petroleum Acts, it will provide opportunities to grow and diversify our economy.

"All interested stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the proposed amendments."

Comments attributed to Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"These legislative changes are very important for many renewable hydrogen projects in WA.

"The amendments bring hydrogen into a modern legislative framework that will provide certainty for emerging players."