Gas Amendment Bill – out for public comment

The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy has released the Gas Amendment Bill [B9 – 2020] for public comment due 30 July 2021.

The Gas Act, 2001 (Act No. 48 of 2001), was signed into law on 21 February 2002 to establish a national regulatory framework for the piped gas industry in the Republic of South Africa but only came into force on 1 November 2005. The Gas Amendment Bill, 2021 seeks to amend the Act in order to address loopholes, omissions and other challenges experienced in the process of implementing and enforcing the Act. Amongst the gaps identified and addressed through the Bill is the inclusion of unconventional gases such as coal bed methane, landfill gas and shale gas in the Act. For further information: https://pmg.org.za/call-for-comment/1076/

Comments can be emailed to Mr Arico Kotze at akotze@parliament.gov.za by no later than Friday, 30 July 2021.

In addition to the written comments, please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation

The Gas Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Gas Act, 2001, so as to:
▪ amend and insert certain definitions;
▪ provide for the promotion of the orderly development of the gas industry;
▪ enhance the national regulatory framework;
▪ promote broad-based black economic empowerment ;
▪ provide for socio-economic and environmentally sustainable development;
▪ provide for new developments and changing technologies in the gas sector;
▪ facilitate gas infrastructure development and investment;
▪ provide for cooperation between the private and public sector in the gas industry; and
▪ strengthen enforcement and improve compliance.

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Arico Kotze at akotze@parliament.gov.za or on cell 083 709 8470