11/02/2020
The Environment Bill has bow returned to Parliament and had its first reading on the 30 January 2020 – although the date for the second reading has not yet been announced. It aims is to make provision for targets, plans and polices for improving the natural environment.
The Bill has introduced two new issues:
Office for Environmental Protection
It also sets up a new independent organisation called the Office for Environmental Protection which will scrutinise environmental policy, investigate complaints and take enforcement action against authorities if necessary, to uphold environmental standards. Its powers will cover all climate change legislation and aims to hold the government to account on its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The Bill outlines a number of commitments such as ensuring that the environment is at the centre of government policy, making sure that this and future governments are held to account if they fail to uphold their environment duties.
It also aims to:
Transform the way waste is managed, by using powers to ensure that producers take responsibility for the waste that they create, introducing a consistent approach to recycling, tackling waste crime and introducing bottle deposit schemes.
Protect precious water resources by increasing sustainable water management through securing long-term, resilient water and wastewater management.
Improve air quality by fighting pollution, and setting ambitious, legally binding targets to reduce fine particulate matter, and by increasing local powers to address sources of air pollution.
Restore and enhance nature through ‘biodiversity net gain’ ensuring that new houses are built and delivered in such a way that they protect and enhances nature helping to deliver natural spaces for the community.
To contact Dr Louise Smail call 01614457872 or email her at smail@fsw-law.com.
Fisher Scoggins Waters are experts in construction, manufacturing and engineering law, based in London. We provide expert advice on environment law matters and can act as your emergency response team if required. If you would like more information or need an emergency response team, please phone us on 0207 993 6960