High Court's coalmine emissions ruling says 'the quiet part out loud'

Key points

• The High Court has ruled that the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission must consider all greenhouse gas emissions, including scope 3 emissions, when approving fossil fuel projects.
• The decision has sparked concern in the resources sector and opposition from conservative politicians, who argue it could cripple the Australian fossil fuel industry.
• The case involved MACH Energy's proposed expansion of the Mount Pleasant coalmine near Muswellbrook, which would add roughly twice Australia's total annual greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.