Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the next stage of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) reforms, including the Exposure Draft EPBC Regulations (Exposure Regulations) and accompanying three Consultation Papers. Our submission is structured in line with the Consultation Papers:

1. A smooth transition to the National Environmental Protection Agency
2. More certainty for projects and environment protection, which includes guidance around protection statements, rulings, unacceptable impacts, minor or preparatory works and reconsideration requestions.
3. Reducing Duplication, which covers the devolution of EPBC Act powers including via bilateral agreements and NOPSEMA declaration, and the reporting of greenhouse gas
   emissions.