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This briefing note by the Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS) examines the need for international cooperation on trade-related climate measures (trade-climate measures) within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It identifies a fragmented landscape of national and regional policies that create trade barriers and disadvantage developing countries. The document proposes a framework for cooperation across four levels: general principles of international law, regulatory processes and practices, specific design features, and technical aspects such as carbon accounting interoperability.

This document presents the draft regulations for greenhouse gas emissions intensity benchmarks under section 11 of the Carbon Tax Act, 2019. It outlines the methodology for taxpayers to determine sector-specific benchmarks and provides a detailed list of industry benchmark values for various industrial sectors, including mining, chemicals, and energy.

The document presents draft regulations for the Trade Exposure Allowance under section 10 of the Carbon Tax Act, 2019, in South Africa. These regulations establish a mechanism to provide transitional support to specific sectors and subsectors to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and maintain industry competitiveness while implementing carbon pricing to meet Paris Agreement goals.

The 'First Draft Carbon Tax Bill 2015: Response Document' is a December 2017 report by the Centre for Environmental Rights (representing the National Treasury's responses) that details public comments and government feedback on the design of South Africa's carbon tax. It addresses key policy issues including revenue recycling, tax-free allowances for trade-exposed sectors, the treatment of the electricity and aviation sectors, and the alignment of the tax with South Africa's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

The Environmental (Strategic Assessment, Integrated Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2017, establish the legal framework for environmental assessments in Kenya. The regulations detail the requirements for Integrated Environmental Impact Assessments (IEIA) for projects, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) for policies, plans, and programmes, and mandatory environmental audits. It defines the registration and licensing of environmental assessment experts, the role of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in approvals and monitoring, and the procedures for public participation and appeals.

These 2016 regulations, issued by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, establish the procedure and criteria for determining administrative fines for persons operating listed activities without a valid atmospheric emission license under section 22A of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004.

The National Exemption Regulations, 2014, establish the formal process for applying for and processing exemptions from the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, its regulations, or related notices. The regulations detail the submission requirements, public participation mandates, and the decision-making timelines for the Minister of Environmental Affairs, the Minister responsible for mineral resources, or the MEC.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, establish the legal procedures and criteria for preparing, submitting, and deciding upon applications for environmental authorisations in South Africa. The regulations detail two primary assessment paths—Basic Assessment and Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR)—and mandate the appointment of independent environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) to manage the process. They also set strict timeframes for government decisions, requirements for public participation, and protocols for the auditing and amendment of environmental management programmes (EMPr) and closure plans.

The Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, published on 8 February 2012 under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, establish a legal framework for the management, conservation, and use of nature reserves in South Africa. The document outlines the powers of management authorities, rules for public access, restrictions on biological resource use, and penalties for non-compliance.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute outlines the timeline and regulatory framework for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act, detailing specific permitting thresholds and future standards for industrial sources.

The Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity, issued by the South African Minister of Energy under the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006, establish the legal framework for procuring new electricity generation capacity by organs of state. The regulations cover planning via integrated resource plans, feasibility studies, ministerial determinations, and the procurement of capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and cross-border projects, while specifically excluding nuclear power technology.

The Environmental Management Framework Regulations, 2010, establish the legal process for creating, adopting, and using environmental management frameworks (EMFs) in South Africa. These frameworks are designed to map environmental attributes and guide land-use decisions to promote sustainability and environmental protection.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute examines policy options for rewarding 'early action' greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions within a proposed U.S. federal cap-and-trade system. It analyzes the environmental and economic implications of awarding credits 'under the cap' versus 'above the cap' and provides guidance on transitioning existing regional programs into a federal framework.

The Vaal Triangle Priority Area AQMP Implementation Regulations, 2009, establish the legal framework for implementing and enforcing the Vaal Triangle Air-shed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan (VTAQMP). The regulations mandate that identified stakeholders submit and periodically review emission reduction strategies to ensure ambient air quality objectives are met.

This document outlines the legal regulations and procedures for the expropriation of land or land rights on behalf of an electricity licensee in South Africa, as established under the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006.

The Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, 2007, issued under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, establish a comprehensive legal framework for managing restricted activities involving listed threatened and protected species in South Africa. The regulations detail a permit system for activities such as hunting, breeding, and trade, and mandate the registration of facilities including captive breeding operations, game farms, and sanctuaries. It includes strict prohibitions on certain hunting methods and activities involving large predators and rhinoceros species, while providing mechanisms for risk assessments, appeals, and the establishment of a Scientific Authority.

These regulations, published under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003, establish the administrative and operational framework for special nature reserves, national parks, and world heritage sites. They detail prohibitions on biodiversity disturbance, rules for biological resource use, access controls, commercial activity restrictions, and the establishment of advisory committees and management plans.

The Regulations in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998, establish a comprehensive legal framework for the management, conservation, and exploitation of marine living resources in South African waters. The document details administrative procedures, gear restrictions, species-specific limits, mariculture standards, and compliance monitoring systems to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 (and its associated regulations) provides a legal framework for the protection of agricultural resources in South Africa. It establishes mandatory control measures to prevent soil erosion, waterlogging, and salination, regulates the use of veld and the management of veld fires, and creates a classification system for combating weeds and invader plants. The document also outlines the administrative functions of conservation committees and the technical specifications for soil conservation beacons.

The Nature and Environmental Conservation Regulations, issued on August 29, 1975, establish a comprehensive legal framework for the management of provincial nature reserves, the captivity of wild animals, the hunting of protected species, and the regulation of inland waters and flora. The document details strict requirements for cage sizes, permit systems for professional hunters, and specific prohibitions against activities that could damage the environment or disturb fauna within protected areas.