UK government ‘ignoring green watchdog’ over air quality rules

The Government’s Ignoring of Post-Brexit Green Watchdog Raises Concerns Over Air Quality Regulations

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), established in 2020 to replace the EU’s role in regulating and enforcing environmental law in the UK, is being ignored by the government regarding the removal of air quality regulations. Experts have criticized this move as “a clear example of deregulation.”

Background

Concerns were raised when the OEP was established that it might not have the same level of authority as the EU in protecting the environment and preventing the government from undermining environmental protections.

Current Situation

Recently, the OEP wrote to the environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, expressing its opposition to the deletion of core parts of the national emissions ceiling regulations (NECR) under the Retained EU Law Act (REUL). However, Coffey has made it clear that the department will disregard the OEP’s advice.

The REUL, which became law in June, will eliminate hundreds of EU laws, including environmental protections, by the end of this year. The government also rejected an amendment in the Lords that aimed to prioritize the environment.

Concerns Raised by the OEP

Dame Glenys Stacey, the chair of the OEP, expressed concerns about the revocation of these regulations, stating that it weakens accountability, transparency, and environmental protection. The regulations require the government to develop and implement a plan to reduce pollutants and to review it if emissions exceed targets. Public consultation is also mandated before revising the program.

Stacey highlighted the importance of these duties, especially considering that the government failed to meet emission reduction requirements for PM2.5 in 2021, indicating insufficient progress towards legally binding emission reduction commitments.

Government’s Response

In response, Coffey defended the plans and disagreed with the notion that there would be a reduction in environmental protection. She claimed that removing certain regulations aims to reduce administrative burdens and enhance transparency in air quality emissions policy.

Criticism from Lawyers and Experts

Lawyers and environmental experts have criticized Coffey’s response, arguing that it weakens existing legal air pollution protections.

Ruth Chambers of the Greener UK coalition stated that deleting these safeguards without alternative plans in place is a clear example of deregulation, potentially reducing obligations to improve air quality in the future.

Emily Kearsey, a lawyer at the charity ClientEarth, expressed disappointment in the government’s attempt to weaken existing legal protections for air quality, especially considering their commitment to making the UK an environmental leader.

Importance of Retaining Regulations

Kearsey emphasized that the post-Brexit Environment Act does not include equivalent legal requirements for plan-making or public consultation, which negatively impacts government transparency and accountability. She urged the government to listen to warnings from civil society organizations and its own environmental watchdog to protect public health and environmental targets.

Government’s Stance

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson stated that the targets remain unchanged, and there has been no reduction in the level of environmental protection. They assured that the government remains committed to achieving the reduction targets and ensuring transparency on progress through reporting provisions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for Target 11.6: Air quality index in cities.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies and strategies.
• Indicator for Target 16.7: Level of public participation in decision-making processes.
• Indicator for Target 17.16: Amount of financial resources mobilized through partnerships for sustainable development.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: theguardian.com

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