The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has announced a temporary suspension of its Emissions Reduction Programme (ERP) application process, citing delays in the approval of the new national budget. 

The programme provided concessions to people buying electric or hybrid vehicles and communities implementing renewable energy initiatives.

In response to the Samoa Observer's queries via email, Vainalepa Toiata Uili, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of MNRE, said: "The temporary suspension is due to the pending approval of the new budget, which will be finalised once the new government is in place." 

In the letter dated 7 July 2025, MNRE confirmed that the ERP application process is on hold until the new government finalises the upcoming fiscal budget. 

The ERP is funded by New Zealand. Most donors cease funding when there is no elected government. It is the same with all projects funded by Australia as well.

The Chief Executive Officer of MNRE, Lealasalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, signed off on the announcement, which was addressed to all ERP applicants. The ministry also provided an update on the status of applications received before the suspension. A total of 167 applications were submitted on 21 February 2025, under three core components:

• Component 1: Focused on hybrid and electric vehicles, this stream received 44 applications, with 39 finalized for approval.
• Component 2: Targeted at greening initiatives within the tourism sector, it received 65 applications, with 20 approved for the final stage of validation.
• Component 3: Dedicated to community-based low-carbon projects, it saw 58 applications, with 37 approved for final verification.

The ERP is part of Samoa’s broader climate change mitigation strategy, which is delivered in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand under the Samoa-New Zealand Climate Finance Partnership Arrangement.