The latest legislation, guidance and consultation.
Legislation
General environment
Pending
England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland
The government has published a revised version of its Withdrawal Agreement Bill to ensure the UK will leave the EU on 31 January 2019. It seeks to implement Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Withdrawal Agreement (a draft International Treaty) with the EU into UK law.
Climate change
Pending
Scotland
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 requires the Scottish ministers to produce a national transport strategy that makes provisions for the creation, modification and operation of low emission zones.
General environment, climate change
EU
11 December 2019
The European Commission has published a communication on the European Green Deal. This sets out the framework for a major re-evaluation of the European economy and policies, to cut emissions in the continent by 50% by 2030 and net-zero carbon by 2050.
Guidance
Waste
England
15 November 2019
The Environment Agency has updated its guidance on registering or renewing waste exemptions in order to clarify the waste storage exemptions that do not require registration. It also explains the restrictions on registering multiple exemptions.
Water
Northern Ireland
4 December 2019
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has issued guidance in relation to the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2017/212. It specifically addresses the sampling of new or emergency sources as an additional monitoring provision. cedr.ec/6jr
Consultation
Climate change
Scotland
13 December 2019
The Scottish government has launched a consultation on the operation and delivery of Low Emission Zones (LEZs), including the substantive issues of emission standards, exemptions and penalty charges. cedr.ec/6ju
Waste
Scotland
29 November 2019
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is seeking opinions on its permit reform for non-hazardous landfills. It is proposing a new, simple, outcome-based permit for non-hazardous landfills.
Energy efficiency
Scotland
29 November 2019
The Scottish government has launched a consultation on proposals to set a standard for energy efficiency in owner-occupier homes and to make it mandatory for homeowners from 2024 onwards.
