Labor and Greens lose bid to stop overhaul of sensitive marine zones

The Turnbull government's bid to wind back protections in sensitive marine areas has been won after the Senate voted down a bid by Labor and the Greens to block the changes.

Environmentalists are incensed at the proposal to
reduce highest-level protections in the Coral Sea.

The government on Tuesday night unexpectedly forced a vote on a Labor disallowance motion that would have vetoed the reduced conservation standards. A vote was not expected for several weeks.

The Greens had pledged to back Labor to block the cuts. However none of the 11 crossbenchers - many caught up in negotiations over the government's company tax cuts in recent days - had committed to supporting the move at the time of the vote.

The motion was defeated 34 votes to 28. A number of senators were absent for the vote.

Read Nicole Hasham’s story from today’s Age - “Labor and Greens lose bid to stop overhaul of sensitive marine zones.”

Bill Shorten accused of flip-flopping on Adani coal mine

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has denied telling colleagues he wants to block the Adani mega-mine should Labor win government, instead insisting that blocking it would hurt foreign investment in Australia.

The Adani coal mine proposal has encountered strong public opposition.

Mr Shorten declared the position on Friday amid internal wrangling over the divisive coal mine proposal, and concern from some quarters within the party that Labor is sacrificing its electoral chances in Queensland for city votes.

Read Nicole Hasham’s story in The Age - “Bill Shorten accused of flip-flopping on Adani coal mine.”

First U.S. City to Ban Fossil Fuel Expansion Offers Roadmap for Others

On a clear July morning three years ago, dozens of environmental activists pushed their kayaks into the Willamette River in Portland while others rappelled 400 feet from the top of St. Johns Bridge in an attempt to block a Shell Oil ship and its drilling equipment from leaving the port and entering Alaskan waters.

Portland, Ore., climate activists celebrate a win
 against Big Oil as city- and state-level initiatives
 gain momentum across the country.

A key piece of Shell’s Arctic drilling fleet, the vessel had arrived in Portland for repairs but its departure was delayed by protesters chanting “coal, oil, gas, none shall pass!” during two days of civil disobedience that became known as Summer Heat.

By the time the vessel finally sailed, the stage had been set for what would be a yearlong battle, culminating in an ordinance that banned construction and expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in the city.

Last month, the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld Portland’s ban as constitutional, affirming the city’s power to regulate the safety and welfare of its residents and sending a powerful signal to cities that they too can take the lead to limit fossil fuel use.

Read the Yes! Magazine story by Kevon Paynter - “First U.S. City to Ban Fossil Fuel Expansion Offers Roadmap for Others.”