The proposed Emissions Trading Scheme is still on track to pass into law next week, despite a National Party attempt at filibustering in Parliament on Tuesday.
National MPs took the opportunity to express their opposition to the scheme, speaking at length in a clause-by-clause debate.
The National Party says the Government is being reckless by putting up more than 700 amendments to the legislation a week before it is likely to pass into law.
National's climate change spokesperson Nick Smith says the bill is complex, with huge implications and requires far greater consideration. He says to work through 785 amendments in such a rush is treating Parliament as a joke.
However, Climate Change Minister David Parker says many of the amendments are simply grammatical in nature.
Mr Parker says others set in place changes negotiated by the Green and New Zealand First parties in return for their support.
The Bill will return to the House next week.
Compensation negotiated
The Government's controversial legislation passed its second reading in Parliament last week with the support of the Greens and New Zealand First.
The parties negotiated an energy efficiency and household compensation package with the Government as part of their support.
Consumers would get a one-off rebate on power bills in 2010, along with a targeted cash payment for those on low incomes, and is likely to be worth about $180 million.
