Minutes: 09 May 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (Interim Target) Amendment Regulations 2023 [draft] from—

Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

Màiri McAllan (Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) moved—S6M-08482—That the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recommends that the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (Interim Target) Amendment Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to.

The Committee agreed to delegate to the Convener authority to finalise a draft report for publication.

4. Scotland’s electricity infrastructure: inhibitor or enabler of our energy ambitions?:

The Committee took evidence from—

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Claire Jones, Head of Onshore Electricity Policy and Ragne Low, Deputy Director, Onshore Electricity Policy, Scottish Government.

Edward Mountain declared an interest as a Partner in Delfur Farms Farming Partnership, a farming business which receives income from power lines across his land, and that he is in negotiation as to another proposed power line, which could generate further income.

5. Scotland’s electricity infrastructure: inhibitor or enabler of our energy ambitions? (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 4.

6. Air quality in Scotland (in private):

The Committee considered a draft report.

Various changes were agreed to, and the Committee agreed to delegate to the Convener authority to finalise the report for publication.