7.—(1) The baseline is the aggregate amount of net Northern Ireland emissions of each greenhouse gas mentioned in the following table in the year specified in relation to that gas—
Greenhouse gas | Year |
---|---|
Carbon dioxide | 1990 |
Methane | 1990 |
Nitrous oxide | 1990 |
Hydrofluorocarbons | 1995 |
Perfluorocarbons | 1995 |
Sulphur hexafluoride | 1995 |
Nitrogen trifluoride | 1995 |
(2) The baseline for carbon dioxide is the amount of net Northern Ireland emissions of carbon dioxide in 1990.
(3) The baseline for methane is the amount of net Northern Ireland emissions of methane in 1990.
(4) The Department may by regulations amend—
(a)the table in subsection (1) so as to specify a different year in relation to a greenhouse gas, or
(b)subsection (2) or (3) so as to specify a different year in relation to carbon dioxide or methane.
(5) See section 55 for restrictions on the powers conferred by subsection (4).