Climate campaigners are ramping up calls to stop coal mine expansions as NSW forecasts show the state falling short of its legislated emissions-reductions targets.
Official figures show the state is on track for a 44 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with a 50 per cent target put into law six months ago.
The data also shows a projected cut of 65 per cent by 2035, behind a target of 70 per cent.
The forecasts are based on current tracking using planned abatement measures.
Campaigners say the figures call into question decisions to approve the expansion of multiple coal mines, which contribute to stationary and fugitive emissions as part of the forecasts.
Greens MP Sue Higginson pointed out the government argued for the legislated targets on the grounds they were a floor, rather than a ceiling.
"Six months on, they aren't even on the floor ... as this government approves new coal mines and continues to raze native forests, it's clear they do not take climate action seriously," she told AAP.
"They are treating climate change like tomorrow's problem as whole towns are washed away in unprecedented floods and bushfires burn hotter and longer."
Asked for comment on Thursday, a spokesperson for Climate Change Minister Penny Sharpe pointed to a statement she made in late April about the extent of the challenges highlighted by the same projections.
"The NSW government is determined to meet the legislated targets ... across government we are redoubling our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors," Ms Sharpe said at the time.
Anti-coal mining campaigners Lock the Gate called for further investment and support for clean-energy alternatives.
"It's clear the massive pipeline of proposed coal projects must not go ahead if NSW is going to have any chance of getting back on track and meeting the legislated targets," the group said in a statement.
Independent Wagga Wagga MP Joe McGirr said rural and regional communities were feeling the effects of climate change more strongly than others.
"Regional communities are putting in a lot of the hard yards supporting the infrastructure for renewable energy that's going to save this state," he said.
"We don't want to see those hard yards ... blown away on more coal projects."
Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham labelled the figures "an alarm bell everyone in NSW needs to pay attention to".
"My support to this government depends on them being serious in their action on climate change," he said.
Australian Associated Press
