Nick Blyth considers how energy and carbon policy could evolve after the election.
Two years ago, IEMA members helped secure one of the few green policy wins of this parliament, with their evidence used to support the introduction of mandatory greenhouse-gas reporting.
Last year, IEMA was involved in successfully removing mandatory GHG reporting from a Defra review of policy. Now, a new consultation by Defra is proposing to look again at GHG reporting as well as ESOS and other guidance (lexisurl.com/iema83923). Combined with Decc’s “simplification” of the CRC, many professionals are understandably critical about the continual review and modification of carbon and energy policy.
Recent IEMA polls highlight concerns about the current energy and carbon policy landscape, including that policies are overly focused on the biggest companies, neglecting the importance of action and support for other businesses.
So what next? Is it time for one big push to clear up a crowded policy landscape or time for a period of calm in which recent schemes are allowed to bed in before being steadily extended? A carbon and energy policy review after the election is looking increasingly likely. The hope is for a considered review with any changes not being rushed in.