Commentary on Sections Targeted greenhouse gases Section 24: Targeted greenhouse gases
118.This section defines the term “targeted greenhouse gas”, which is the term used to describe the gases covered by the targets and budgets in the Act.
119.Subsection (1) defines the term “targeted greenhouse gas” as meaning carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and any other greenhouse gas added later by the Secretary of State by order. The term “greenhouse gas” is defined in section 92 by reference to a list of gases (which, for the time being, is identical).
120.Subsection (7) provides that an order adding a new gas or gases must be made using the affirmative resolution procedure. Subsection (2) allows the Secretary of State to make any necessary consequential amendments to the Act when he makes the order.
121.Subsection (3) requires the Secretary of State to consult the devolved administrations, and also to obtain and consider advice from the Committee on Climate Change, before adding a new gas or gases to the list.
122.Subsection (4) requires the Committee on Climate Change, as soon as is reasonably practicable after giving its advice to the Secretary of State, to publish that advice in any way it thinks is appropriate.
123.Subsection (5) places a duty on the Secretary of State, if amending the list of targeted greenhouse gases in a way that differs from the Committee’s recommendations, to publish a statement setting out the reasons for that decision. Subsection (6) allows the Secretary of State to publish this statement in any way he thinks is appropriate.