High Court rules in favour of NSW climate group

The High Court has found that planning authorities are required to consider local climate change effects when approving fossil fuel projects. Three of five judges found in favour of a Hunter Valley residents group which halted the mount pleasant mine expansion last year in the NSW court of appeal. The high court has agreed with that judgment finding the project's planning approval needed to take into account the local effects from climate change, caused by emissions from its coal exports. The case is expected to have national implications for future fossil fuel project approvals.