# New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme reform debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-emissions-trading-scheme-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-08-31T04:24:25.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is under scrutiny regarding its economic impact and its effectiveness in meeting climate objectives. Concerns have been raised by Energy Resources Aotearoa that proposed settings, such as an emissions price of $170, could significantly increase costs for electricity, natural gas, and petrol, potentially departing from a “least-cost transition.” Simultaneously, reports from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) have highlighted issues with carbon forestry. The PCE noted that carbon forestry may serve as an inexpensive alternative for emitters, which could delay substantive climate action. This has led to calls from groups such as Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers to reform the scheme. These organizations argue that the current system encourages the conversion of productive sheep and beef farmland into permanent carbon forestry, which they claim undermines the economic viability of rural communities. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: New Zealand environmental reports address oil, gas, and carbon forestry New reports from New Zealand’s Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment address oil and gas regulation and the impacts of carbon forestry on the Emissions Trading Scheme and rural communities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-environmental-reports-address-oil-gas-and-carbon-forestry ### 2026-08-31: New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme faces calls for reform and cost concerns New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme faces pressure as critics warn of rising household costs and calls for major reform to address forestry sequestration and emission targets. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-emissions-trading-scheme-faces-calls-for-reform-and-cost-concerns --- Cite as: New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme reform debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-emissions-trading-scheme-reform-debate