(1) The Minister may
take steps for the purpose of recognising, promoting or facilitating emissions
offset programs initiated on a voluntary basis.
(2) Without limiting
any program established under subsection (1), the regulations may make
provision to support emissions offset programs, including—
(a) by
providing methods to identify or determining the types and extent of offsets
that may form part of emissions offset programs recognised for the purposes of
this Act; and
(b) by
establishing a scheme for the registration of emissions offset programs; and
(c) by
establishing criteria that allow for the recognition of emissions offset
programs that deliver a number of benefits (such as the removal of greenhouse
gases from the atmosphere, biodiversity enhancement and economic development).
(3) The Minister must,
in conjunction with the operation of subsections (1) and (2), take into
account the desirability of ensuring that emissions offset programs recognised
in this State can also be recognised for the purposes of national and
international programs in order to promote the tradeability of products and
services.