Two independent MPs are demanding curbs on coal seam gas exploration in return for their support of the federal government's minerals resource rent tax.
Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are also looking for hundreds of millions of dollars to be put into environmental research programs, Fairfax reported on Tuesday.
With the government to introduce legislation for the MRRT on Wednesday, Mr Windsor said he put his demands to Treasury officials during negotiations on Monday, withthe backing of Mr Oakeshott.
Mr Windsor said he had had enough of the methods of coal seam gas companies, which were expanding operations dramatically in NSW and Queensland.
He wants $200-$400 million to be allocated each year from the tax revenue to fund biological assessments.
These would scientifically gauge the impact of proposed coal seam gas operations on aquifers, flood plains, native vegetables and farmland.
The West Australian
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