What are the government's plans for the environment

New Zealand's environment is at the core of our national identity and our way of life. We Kiwis consider it our right to be able to get out and enjoy our spectacular outdoors.

However, we are facing significant issues with regard to our environment. Many of our streams, rivers and lakes are deteriorating and greenhouse gas emissions have increased 26 percent since 1990. Something must be done. The new National-led government is determined to bring the leadership and direction on environmental issues that our country so badly needs.

Our approach is characterised by five important 'Bluegreen' principles. First, economic growth and improving the environment must, and can, go hand in hand. Second, resource use must be based on sustainability. Third, good science is essential to quality environmental decision-making. Fourth, people respond best to change when engaged and given incentives. Finally, Kiwis have a unique birthright to enjoy and access our special places.

Climate change, freshwater management, biodiversity, waste management and improving air quality are the government's environmental priorities.

With climate change, we have set an achievable target of a 50 percent reduction in New Zealand's carbon-equivalent net emissions compared with 1990 levels, by 2050. In other words: 50 by 50. New Zealand must do its fair share in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Getting the right climate change policy response in place is essential to get New Zealand's emissions in check. National has long advocated the use of a price-based mechanism to incentivise greenhouse gas reductions and campaigned on a policy of reforming the Labour-led government's rushed Emissions Trading Scheme.

To achieve a long-term, workable climate change policy, a parliamentary committee has been formed. The ETS Review Committee is currently hearing submissions and will report back to Parliament once they have been considered.

As Australia is our closest trading partner, it is important that climate change policy is similar in both countries. There seems to be strong merit in looking at harmonisation with Australia's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Our 50 by 50 target is in line with Australia's commitment to a 60 percent reduction in emissions from 2000 levels by 2050. It makes sense to align our greenhouse gas reduction measures with Australia, to ensure that firms on both sides of the Tasman don't leave for the other country.

An economy operating with an enduring climate change response policy will incentivise the reduction of greenhouse gases. This will drive investment in new, clean technologies. We are in an age when technology and the motivation to do something about our environment and its future have come together.

Our climate change policy response will be accompanied by other moves to encourage sustainable biofuels, electric vehicles and solar hot-water systems. This includes $1,000 grants for households to install solar hot-water systems, and looking at exempting electric cars from road-user charges. Currently, they are in the same classification as diesel vehicles.

This government is committed to incentives rather than compulsion. That is why we repealed the Biofuel Obligation Law last December. The law forced petrol companies to blend biofuel into petrol and diesel. Having compulsory blend requirements and importing biofuels before sustainability standards had been determined made no sense. The government is currently considering options for providing consistent tax incentives for sustainably produced biofuels.

With our lakes, thermal activity, abundant wind and waves, New Zealand is rich in sources for renewable energy. About 70 percent of our electricity comes from renewables, and this government wants to significantly increase this and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

This government recognises that if we are to protect our environment we must be able to make decisions quickly. On February 19 this year I introduced a reform bill into parliament that will simplify and streamline processes around resource consents, and reduce costs, uncertainties and delays. These changes will cut through red tape for Kiwi homeowners, businesses and farmers while safeguarding the environment.

Greater environmental protections include further central government guidance via national environmental standards and national policy statements. Speeding up the plan-changing process will encourage councils to deal more quickly with environmental issues as they emerge, and maximum fines are being increased significantly, from $200,000 to $600,000 for corporate offenders and from $200,000 to $300,000 for individuals. I hope to have the first stage of my reforms of the Resource Management Act in law by July 1 this year.

This government's plans for the environment are ambitious. New Zealanders care deeply about the future of their country and want pragmatic and sensible solutions from their government. This government recognises that all of us need to look after our precious environment and take responsibility for its future.