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Natural Environment Bill

Natural resource permits - Nature of permits, commencement, duration and review - Duration

179: Duration of permit for renewable energy and long-lived infrastructure

You could also call this:

"How long permits for renewable energy projects and big infrastructure last"

Illustration for Natural Environment Bill

If you get a permit for a renewable energy or long-lived infrastructure project, it will say how long the permit lasts. The permit must last at least 35 years, unless you ask for a shorter time or there's a national standard that allows it. The permit authority can also decide on a shorter time if a group asks them to, to help manage any bad effects on the environment. When the permit authority makes this decision, they must think about managing any bad effects on the environment and the benefits of having a long permit time. They must also make sure the permit time is not too long - no more than 50 years for some projects and 35 years for others. This rule does not apply if something else in the law, like section 181(b), says the permit will lapse. You should know that the permit time starts from when the project begins. The permit authority has to consider what's best for the environment when deciding how long a permit should last.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1525247.

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Topics:
Environment and resources > ConservationEnvironment and resources > Climate and energyBusiness > Industry rules
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178: Duration of natural resource permit, or

"How long a natural resource permit can last"

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Part 4Natural resource permits
Nature of permits, commencement, duration and review: Duration

179Duration of permit for renewable energy and long-lived infrastructure

  1. A natural resource permit authorising a renewable energy activity or a long-lived infrastructure activity must specify the period for which it is granted.

  2. The period specified under subsection (1) must be not less than 35 years after the date of commencement of the permit unless—

  3. the applicant requests a shorter period; or
    1. a national standard expressly allows a shorter period; or
      1. the permit authority decides to specify a shorter period after considering a request from a relevant group for a shorter period for the purpose of managing any adverse effects on the natural environment.

        1. In making a decision under subsection (2)(c), the permit authority must consider—

        2. the need to provide for adequate management of any adverse effects on the natural environment; and
          1. the benefits of providing certainty of long-term permit duration.

            1. The specified period must be not more than—

            2. 50 years after the date of commencement of the permit, in the case of a permit that authorises any structure that would otherwise contravene section 18 or 19:
              1. 35 years after the date of commencement of the permit, in the case of any other permit that authorises a renewable energy activity or a long-lived infrastructure activity.

                1. This section is subject to section 181(b) (lapsing of permits).