Power to credit carbon units to the net UK carbon account5

1

Carbon units may be credited to the net UK carbon account as follows.

2

A carbon unit is credited to the net UK carbon account if—

a

a person transfers the carbon unit to the credit account; and

b

a Minister of the Crown declares that the carbon unit is credited to the net UK carbon account.

3

A declaration under paragraph (2)(b)

a

must state the year in respect of which the carbon unit is to be credited; and

b

may be made in such manner and at such time as the Minister of the Crown considers appropriate.

4

No Minister of the Crown may make a declaration under paragraph (2)(b)

a

in respect of any removal unit that was originally issued to the United Kingdom; or

b

if the Minister reasonably believes that the carbon unit has been used to offset greenhouse gas emissions which are not UK emissions.

5

If a Minister of the Crown is minded not to make a declaration in respect of a carbon unit transferred to the credit account by the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers or a Northern Ireland department then the Minister of the Crown must consult that national authority before making a final decision.