Carbon capture and storage law for New Zealand: A comparative study

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage, or geosequestration, is an emerging technique to address climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. New Zealand law does not presently provide for carbon capture and storage. The Crown Minerals Act 1991 and the Resource Management Act 1991 do not make it possible. Canada and Australia offer useful comparisons, as, to a lesser extent, do the European Union and the United States. The comparisons assist in an analysis of the main issues involved in creating a legal regime for New Zealand: rights to real property, title or permits, relationship with oil and gas operations, regulation, liability, and relationships with other legislation.