Released emails reveal heavy political lobbying as massive gas project extended
Sydney Morning Herald
by Bianca HallFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Emails released under freedom-of-information laws have revealed a significant lobbying effort by Woodside Energy to influence environmental conditions tied to its North West Shelf gas project extension in Karratha, Australia. The documents show that Woodside sought to weaken emissions monitoring requirements and delay stricter regulations as the company pushed for operational extensions into 2070.
Key details from the emails highlight how Woodside opposed two critical conditions: real-time emissions monitoring and five-yearly reductions in carbon monoxide, methane, and particulate matter. The company argued that its emissions intensity would increase due to declining production, making it impossible to meet these targets beyond 2026. This pressure led to concessions, including the removal of the five-yearly reduction requirement and a shift toward predictive monitoring systems instead of continuous emissions tracking.
The lobbying campaign also included requests for aligned public messaging from the government to match Woodside’s media statements. These efforts raised questions about the transparency and integrity of the regulatory process. Emails further revealed that Woodside successfully delayed its response to environmental conditions, securing a 10-day extension in June 2025 to negotiate more favorable terms.
This case underscores broader concerns about corporate influence on environmental policies, particularly in the context of climate change. As global attention focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such revelations highlight potential vulnerabilities in regulatory frameworks and the need for greater accountability in decision-making processes involving major energy projects.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026