Office for Environmental Protection

Tag Archives: Office for Environmental Protection

Businesses need a better Environment Bill

Posted on 2 May, 2019 by Green Alliance blog Leave a comment

This post is by Daniel Johns, head of public affairs, Anglian Water Services Ltd. It was first posted on Business Green.

We now have both the EFRA and the EAC select committee reports on the draft Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill. Both find critical weaknesses in the proposed protections for the environment outside of the structures of the European Union. On this issue environmental organisations, parliamentarians and a range of leading business voices are entirely aligned. Read more

Brexit

MPs demand more from the Environment Bill

Posted on 25 April, 2019 by Ruth Chambers Leave a comment

A cross-party group of MPs has called for the draft Environment Bill to be strengthened. The Environmental Audit Committee’s report follows its inquiry into the draft Environment Bill published in December. The committee doesn’t pull its punches and demands urgent action to plug gaps in environmental protection. Read more

The government must not be allowed to mark its own homework on environmental standards

Posted on 4 March, 2019 by Green Alliance blog 2 comments

This post is by Lord Robin Teverson, chair of the House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee.

Back in February 2017, our committee published the report of its inquiry on Brexit, the environment and climate change. While covering a wide range of issues, one of the key findings was the vital role that the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union play in ensuring that member states (including the UK) comply with environmental legislation. We heard evidence that the effectiveness of EU regulation was due, in part, to the deterrent effect of the power of EU institutions to hold member states to account and to levy fines upon them for non-compliance. From recycling targets, to air quality plans, to nature conservation, we heard that the threat of EU infraction had shaped the UK’s environmental policy. Read more

Natural England’s role will be essential post-Brexit

Posted on 21 January, 2019 by Green Alliance blog One comment

This post is by Andrew Sells, the outgoing chair of Natural England.

Natural England is an organisation that some thought – at various stages – was as endangered as some of the species we strive to protect. But as it prepares for life after the UK’s departure from the European Union, it has never been more important.

With my time at the helm now drawing to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on five years as chair of Natural England and the future for conservation. Read more

Natural environment