Any changes to the launch limit or the way launches are counted will require amendments to the EEZ Permitted Activity Regulations. These amendments must be made in accordance with the EEZ Act, including giving effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and considering New Zealand’s international obligations.
Implementation of the preferred option will involve:
- regulatory amendment: Updating the EEZ Permitted Activity Regulations to reflect the new launch limit and any changes to how launches are counted
- EPA oversight: Continuing to require pre- and post-launch notifications to the EPA, with potential updates to reporting templates to reflect any new conditions or definitions.
Monitoring will be essential to ensure that the environmental effects of space vehicle jettison debris remain within acceptable limits. Monitoring could include:
- launch tracking: Continue to track the number of launches that deposit debris in the EEZ, including location, frequency and recovery status
- review of regulations: Review the regulations to assess the environmental effects, whether the authorised launch deposit area remains appropriate and whether any new conditions are needed. As technology and practice evolve over time, reviews could ensure the regulations remain fit for purpose. A review could occur when the number of launches approaches the new limit (if a limit is retained), or the review could occur at a set time.
We welcome feedback on how implementation and monitoring should be carried out, including:
- what mechanisms should be used to monitor environmental effects
- how frequently the regulations should be reviewed
- the role that operators, iwi and other stakeholders play in monitoring and review.
