Packaging proposals too complex, says industry body; environment group wants recycling target dropped
Packaging Council chief Gavin Williams says the latest draft waste packaging covenant is ‘bureaucratic, cumbersome and unnecessarily complex’, while Total Environment Centre director Jeff Angel says it shouldn’t include recycling targets. » read the full story »

U.S. climate bill protects jobs, says Robb; Origin carbon credits deal; and more
* U.S. climate bill does more to protect jobs, says Robb * Origin backs largest carbon forest sink project * Responsible investment report uncovers mixed results for Australia * DAFF invites forest industries climate change grant applications * Members Equity signs covenant with EPA Victoria * Tasmanian oil spill costs shipping company $26,000 » read the full story »

Victoria’s coal chief ponders a low-carbon future
The Brumby Government’s self-proclaimed ‘face of coal’, Charlie Speirs, says the future for the Latrobe Valley is bright, anticipating a new power station with 30% lower emissions within five years and describing the region as ‘ideal’ for a large-scale carbon capture demonstration project and coal-based industries. » read the full story »

Turnbull leaves door open for CPRS deal this year; and more
* Turnbull leaves door open for CPRS deal this year * Victoria set for smart meter rollout, but will retailers step up? * EPA Victoria issues guidelines for managed aquifer recharge * NSW revises waste classification guidelines * Cement companies endorse ‘zero concrete to landfill’ goal » read the full story »

Ai Group business survey uncovers CPRS confusion
A survey of 400 companies by the Australian Industry Group and KPMG finds more than 30% of businesses have no knowledge of key elements of the CPRS and more than 55% of all businesses aren’t yet taking steps to become better informed. » read the full story »