Australian PM Abandons Climate Targets, Bowing to Party Pressure

"SYDNEY, Australia — Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia abandoned plans for emission targets Monday, bowing to pressure from conservatives who considered toppling Mr. Turnbull’s government over an energy policy that aimed to reduce prices and bring the country into line with international climate change commitments.

Mr. Turnbull, who looked tired after a weekend of negotiating with colleagues, told reporters Monday morning that the energy policy bill, known as the National Energy Guarantee, would not be introduced in the House of Representatives because there was not enough support.

“We are not going to propose legislation purely for the purpose of it being defeated,” he said."

Damien Cave and Isabella Kwai report for the New York Times August 20, 2018.

Source: NY Times, 08/21/2018