Matt Kean announces NSW target to cut carbon emissions by 70% by 2035

Treasurer reveals goal alongside MPs and candidates who are facing off against teal challengers at March election

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The New South Wales government has moved to head off the looming threat of teal candidates running in the Liberal party heartland at the next state election by committing to an ambitious new emissions reduction target of 70% by 2035.

But the government won't move to legislate the cap, with the state's treasurer, Matt Kean, saying NSW would beat its current target of halving emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 through its existing policies.

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