Australia is poised to implement sweeping reforms to its outdated environmental legislation, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to nature conservation. The Labor government, after prolonged negotiations, secured a last-minute agreement with the minority Greens party to pass the legislation, following stalled talks with the opposition. The reforms introduce enhanced protections for native forests, stricter land-clearing regulations, and a curb on the expedited approval of coal and gas projects. Critics, however, argue that the measures fall short of addressing climate change comprehensively. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the reforms as a victory for both the environment and the economy, emphasizing their potential to accelerate projects in housing, renewable energy, and critical minerals. The legislation, expected to pass the Senate on Thursday, will establish Australia’s first independent national environment protection agency and set national standards for safeguarding endangered wildlife. Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters acknowledged significant gains but criticized the absence of a ‘climate trigger’ to halt fossil fuel projects based on emissions. Instead, projects must disclose their carbon emissions and outline plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Environmental advocates, including Climate Council head Amanda McKenzie, welcomed the reforms but highlighted the continued approval of coal and gas projects as a critical oversight. The reforms come five years after an independent review deemed the existing laws inadequate, underscoring the urgency of protecting Australia’s environment for future generations.