(1)The base years for the purposes of this Act for targeted greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide are—
| Gas | Base year |
|---|---|
| methane | 1990 |
| nitrous oxide | 1990 |
| hydrofluorocarbons | 1995 |
| perfluorocarbons | 1995 |
| sulphur hexafluoride | 1995 |
(2)The Secretary of State may make provision by order amending the table in subsection (1) so as to—
(a)specify the base year for a gas designated as a targeted greenhouse gas by order under section 24(1), or
(b)specify a different base year from that for the time being specified in relation to any targeted greenhouse gas other than carbon dioxide.
(3)An order may—
(a)designate a particular base year, or
(b)designate a number of base years and provide that the average amount of net UK emissions of a gas for those years is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as the amount of net UK emissions for the base year.
(4)The power in subsection (2)(b) may only be exercised if it appears to the Secretary of State that there have been significant developments in European or international law or policy that make it appropriate to do so.
(5)Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State must—
(a)consult the other national authorities, and
(b)obtain, and take into account, the advice of the Committee on Climate Change.
(6)As soon as is reasonably practicable after giving its advice to the Secretary of State, the Committee must publish that advice in such manner as it considers appropriate.
(7)If the order makes provision different from that recommended by the Committee, the Secretary of State must publish a statement setting out the reasons for that decision.
(8)The statement may be published in such manner as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
(9)An order under this section is subject to affirmative resolution procedure.