Report The Panel agreed on the outline of the 2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (Additional guidance) at its 63rd Session held in Lima, Peru from 27-30 October 2025 (Decision IPCC-LXIII-6). The report will be a single Methodology Report comprising an Overview Chapter and six volumes consistent with the format of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The structure of the Methodology Report is consistent with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines so as to make it easier for inventory compilers to use this Methodology Report with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. Topics that will be addressed include: Transport, injection and sequestering of CO2 in relation to enhanced oil, gas, and coal-bed methane recovery Production of products containing or derived from captured and/or removed CO2 Carbonation of cement and lime-based structures Soil carbon sinks and related emissions enhanced through biochar and weathering and other elements Coastal wetlands carbon dioxide removal types not in previous IPCC Guidelines as well as additional information on mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrass in coastal waters Durable biomass products Carbon dioxide capture from combustion and process gases Direct air capture Carbon dioxide utilisation Carbon dioxide transport including cross border issues Carbon dioxide injection and storage CO2 removal through direct capture of CO2 from water already processed by inland and coastal facilities; and related elements across the range of categories of the IPCC Guidelines. The national greenhouse gas inventory includes sources and sinks occurring within the territory over which a country has jurisdiction. Over 150 experts are expected to participate in the writing process, which will be completed by 2027. The participants will be selected by the Task Force Bureau taking into account scientific and technical expertise, geographical and gender balance to the extent possible in line with Appendix A to the Principles Governing IPCC Work. The First Lead Authors’ meeting will be held in Rome, Italy, in April 2026. Preparatory Work The decision by the Panel to prepare this Methodology Report was informed by the work of experts at the scoping meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 14-16 October 2024. Prior to the scoping meeting, an expert meeting was held at Vienna, Austria 1-3 July 2024. These meetings considered Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods mentioned in the AR6 WGIII Report as a starting point for discussion and noted that several CDR activities have been already covered by the existing IPCC Guidelines. More Information The IPCC Secretary has written to national government focal points inviting nominations of authors by 12 December 2025.

Fast Facts Medicaid programs that cover prescription drugs are generally required to cover drugs that are (1) FDA approved and (2) made by a manufacturer that participates in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. 13 Medicaid programs didn’t cover Mifeprex and its generic equivalent, Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, when required. These drugs are used for medical abortion. We recommended the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ensure Medicaid programs comply with federal requirements for covering Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg. We also reiterated our 2019 recommendation on Mifeprex, which hasn’t been implemented. White pills spilling from a pill bottle. Skip to Highlights Highlights What GAO Found Medicaid programs that choose to cover outpatient prescription drugs are required to cover all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs for their medically accepted indications when those drugs are made by a manufacturer that participates in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP), except as outlined in federal law. The FDA has approved two drugs—Mifeprex in 2000 and its generic equivalent in 2019, referred to as Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg—for the medical termination of an intrauterine pregnancy, known as a medical abortion. Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro are the exclusive manufacturers of Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, respectively, and both manufacturers participate in the MDRP. Medicaid programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico cover prescription drugs and participate in the MDRP. According to officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—the federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for ensuring Medicaid programs’ compliance—none of the MDRP’s statutory exceptions apply to Mifeprex or Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg. Thus, these 52 Medicaid programs must cover these drugs when prescribed for medical abortion in circumstances eligible for federal funding, such as when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. GAO identified gaps in Medicaid programs’ coverage of Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg. Officials from 35 of the 49 programs who responded to GAO questions said their programs covered Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg for medical abortion, as of December 31, 2024. In contrast, officials from 13 programs told GAO their programs did not cover either drug for medical abortion. An official from the remaining program did not specify the medical indications for which its program covered the drugs. Medicaid Programs’ Coverage of Danco Laboratories’ Mifeprex and GenBioPro’s Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, as of December 31, 2024 Note: For more details, see fig. 1 in GAO-25-107911. State officials’ responses to GAO’s questions indicated that some states may not be complying with the MDRP requirements for covering Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg. However, CMS has not determined the extent to which states comply with the MDRP requirements for these drugs. CMS officials told GAO they were not aware of the following: Nine programs did not cover Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg for any medical indication, as of December 31, 2024; GAO reported four of these programs did not cover Mifeprex in 2019. Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg was not available at the time of GAO’s 2019 report. Four additional Medicaid programs did not cover either drug when prescribed for medical abortion, as of December 31, 2024. CMS was not aware of these coverage gaps, in part, because it had not implemented GAO’s 2019 recommendation to take actions to ensure Medicaid programs comply with MDRP requirements to cover Mifeprex. CMS also has not taken actions related to the coverage of Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, as of August 2025. Without such actions, CMS lacks assurance that Medicaid programs comply with MDRP requirements and Medicaid beneficiaries may lack access to these drugs when appropriate. Why GAO Did This Study GAO was asked to describe Medicaid programs’ coverage of mifepristone. This report examines Medicaid programs’ coverage of Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, among other things. GAO reviewed laws and CMS guidance on the MDRP, and coverage of Mifeprex and Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg. GAO also sent written questions to officials from the 52 Medicaid programs that participate in the MDRP regarding their coverage of these drugs, and reviewed officials’ responses from the 49 programs that provided GAO information. Recommendations GAO reiterates its 2019 recommendation that CMS take actions to ensure states’ compliance with MDRP requirements to cover Mifeprex. GAO also recommends that CMS determine the extent to which states comply with federal Medicaid requirements regarding coverage of GenBioPro’s Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, and take actions, as appropriate, to ensure compliance. In response to the recommendation, HHS noted it is reviewing applicable law and will determine the best course of action to address it moving forward. Recommendations for Executive Action Agency Affected Recommendation Status Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The Administrator of CMS should determine the extent to which states comply with federal Medicaid requirements regarding coverage of GenBioPro's Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, and take actions, as appropriate, to ensure compliance. (Recommendation 1) Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned. When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. Full Report Full Report (11 pages)

A huge win for evidence-informed decision-making and the environment November 28, 2025 Snowy Mountains, Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. Credit: Jack McGrath on Unsplash. Since our formation in 1954, the Australian Academy of Science has played a defining role in prioritising conservation, thereby influencing the evolution of national parks as we know them today. As part of our sustained advocacy and in response to the 2018 NSW legislation that gave priority to feral horses over native species and mountain catchments, the Academy hosted a national conference so scientists could present the latest evidence on the threat feral horses posed to natural heritage values. For many years, the Academy has provided evidence to demonstrate the catastrophic damage caused by feral horses to our fragile ecosystems and has been calling for the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018 to be repealed. The repeal of the Act is a huge win for evidence-informed decision-making. Congratulations to the NSW Parliament and the many advocates who have brought about change. The Academy acknowledges the advocacy of the late Dr Graeme Worboys from the Australian National University and the late Dr Alec Costin AM FAA, Academy Fellow and ‘the father of Australian high mountain ecology’, who both contributed extensive expertise to decision-makers on this issue. Our thanks also go to Dr Stuart Barrow, whose policy expertise as a member of staff supported the Academy’s efforts in this area.

The Australian Parliament has passed the Environment Protection Reform Bills. This occurred on Friday 28 November. The Bills now go to the Governor-General for Royal Assent. After that, they become law. Some parts of the new laws will take effect immediately. Others will be phased in to allow further consultation. The new laws will deliver: stronger environmental protection and restoration more efficient and robust project assessments greater accountability and transparency in decision making. The new laws were shaped through years of community consultation. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure a seamless rollout. This will include: transitional arrangements implementation details. Read more EPBC reforms Joint media release: Albanese Government to pass historic environmental reforms(external link) The 7 bills passed on Friday 28 November: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025 Environment Information Australia Bill 2025 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025

In October and November 2025, Australia attended regional meetings to help protect migratory birds. These took place in China and the Philippines. The focus was on birds that travel along the East-Asian Australasian Flyway. Many of these birds are now threatened. Bilateral consultative meetings In October, the Government of China hosted meetings in Dongying. These covered 3 bilateral agreements: Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA). The 4 nations meet every 2 years. In 2025, it was the 21st JAMBA, 15th CAMBA, and 8th ROKAMBA meeting. During the meetings, we: promoted engagement with the Convention on Migratory Species encouraged joint efforts to protect the little tern (Sternula albifrons) reported on our work at home to protect migratory birds. Australia will host the next round of consultative meetings in late 2027. East-Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) Partnership meeting In November, the Government of the Philippines hosted a meeting in Cebu. It was the 12th Meeting of Partners of the EAAF Partnership. The partnership helps governments and organisations work together to protect migratory waterbirds. Partners meet every 2 years to review progress and set priorities. At the meeting, we: spoke about prevention of illegal hunting, take and trade promoted International Light Pollution Guidelines agreed to new arrangements for how the partnership is run reported on our contributions to Single Species Action Plans. Australia continues to lead and support coordinated action to protect migratory birds. We remain committed to working with near neighbours on shared environmental priorities. Read more Australian National Report to the 21st JAMBA, 15th CAMBA and 8th ROKAMBA Consultative Meetings, October 2025 Migratory birds

The resources sector has welcomed the environmental protection bill reforms struck between the Federal Government and the Greens, adding advocacy work continues towards a positive outcome for the environment and business. The reforms will include a clear set of national standards of maximum expectation for projects, as well as a fast-track process for approvals. The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) said the “breakthrough” agreement represented a “major step” forward in reducing duplication, approval acceleration, and the provision of investment certainty. AMEC chief executive officer (CEO) Warren Pearce said AMEC had been working to support the best deal possible, and that “this is it”. “This package of major environmental reforms will deliver better environmental outcomes and a more efficient and streamlined assessment and approvals process for industry,” Pearce said. “AMEC has specifically focused on critical final amendments to the unacceptable impacts criteria, which have been addressed in the deal… and further amendments to stop work order, and the continuation of existing approval pathways are welcomed.” AMEC added that the “real test” of the effectiveness of the reforms would be seen in how the new EPBC framework will be implemented. “Reform was needed; it must now deliver and do so quickly,” he said. The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) labelled the reforms a “significant update” to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) 1999. SACOME interim chief executive officer (CEO) Nicola McFarlane said SACOME’s focus will now be on championing for the “timely implementation” of bilateral agreements. “This is to accredit South Australian assessments and approval processes under the EPBC Act to enable faster approval timeframes for the South Australian resources sector,” McFarlane said. She said SACOME is committed to working collaboratively with the Australian and South Australian Governments as the new framework is implemented. “It [SACOME] reiterates the importance of consistent, concerted effort to realising the growth of the South Australian resources sector and transformation of the state’s economy,” she said. The overarching industry message remains clear that the reforms represent long-awaited changes to faster and more certain approvals, with industry bodies committed to pushing for effective implementation of the new legislative framework. Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.

The Australian Government has introduced a new landfill gas method that includes upward-sloping baselines. This means projects will need to improve methane capture over time to keep earning the same level of carbon credits. It encourages ongoing investment in capturing methane to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas method incentivises projects to capture and destroy methane emitted from landfills as waste decomposes and implements Recommendation 10 of the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). Two rounds of public consultation informed the new method. First on an options paper in May 2024. Then on a draft method in May 2025 on behalf of the independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC). The ERAC assessed the new method met the legislated Offsets Integrity Standards. Read the ERAC’s advice to the Government. The new landfill gas method replaces the: landfill gas 2015 method landfill gas (generation) 2021 method. This will strengthen the integrity of landfill gas credits under the ACCU Scheme. Read more Federal Register of Legislation(external link) Public consultation on the ACCU Scheme Landfill Gas Exposure Draft method and Explanatory Statement(external link) closed 19 June 2025 Public Consultation on the Reform Options for ACCU Scheme Landfill Gas Methods(external link) closed 31 May 2024