Both sets of regulations were due to sunset this year. Remaking them allowed us to bring them up to date while we undertake broader reviews of environmental and greenhouse gas storage laws.
The regulations retain the same substance and form as the 2009 and 2011 versions. The minor amendments we’ve made:
- are more consistent with current practices for draft regulations
- simplify language
- restructure provisions for easier navigation
- remove duplicative processes.
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023
The 2023 Environment Regulations came into effect on 10 January, remaking the 2009 regulations.
They ensure oil and gas companies carry out activities in an ecologically sustainable way. They must reduce the environmental impacts and risks to as low as reasonably practicable and to an acceptable level.
They cover:
- offshore project proposals
- financial assurance
- environment plan requirements
- reportable incidents and recordkeeping
- information requirements, fees and remedial directions
- transitional arrangements from the previous version.
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Greenhouse Gas Injection and Storage) Regulations 2023
The 2023 Greenhouse Gas Injection and Storage Regulations came into effect on 24 February, remaking the 2011 regulations.
These facilitate and regulate companies carrying out GHG injection and storage operations in offshore areas.
They cover:
- significant risk of a significant adverse impact
- applying for declarations of identified greenhouse gas storage formations
- site plans
- reportable incidents
- information that may be made publicly available
- enforcement
- transitional arrangements from the previous version.