Climate change: Second climate bill given green light by Executive
A second climate bill is to begin its path through the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots received approval from the executive to progress it on Thursday.
It joins an existing private members' Climate Bill which is already being scrutinised by assembly members.
It follows a warning by Lord Deben, head of the UK's top climate body, that political instability at Stormont could hinder action on climate change.
He chairs the Climate Change Committee, which advises devolved administrations and central government on emissions cuts and targets.
Mr Poots' bill has a less stringent target and a longer time frame than its rival.
It draws on the recommendations by Lord Deben's Climate Change Committee, which suggested Northern Ireland adopt a cut of at least 82% in emissions by 2050.
The private members bill would see a tougher target which would have to be reached sooner.
Opponents claim its net zero by 2045 target would damage the agriculture industry.
The sector is the biggest emitter in Northern Ireland, responsible for around 26% of greenhouse gas emissions.
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