State’s ‘Climate Action Plan 2023’ upheld despite concerns over emissions reductions

High Court has refused judicial review of the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), rejecting a challenge that questioned the plan's compliance with statutory requirements and its specificity in detailing how climate objectives and targets will be met. The court found that the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) was consulted, and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) material was considered, fulfilling administrative law requirements. Despite the applicant's argument that the plan lacked sufficient detail to evaluate its realism, the court determined that the plan did provide quantifiable measures and a level of specificity that would enable a reasonable person to assess its likelihood of meeting statutory objectives. The court emphasized that the plan must ensure compliance with carbon budgets and sectoral ceilings, which involves quantification of measures and estimation where necessary. The applicant's failure to engage with the plan's details and lack of expert evidence led to the dismissal of the proceedings.