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Environment Bill - Sitting 6

17 March 2020

Proposing MP
Roger Gale Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Roger Gale addresses the need for detailed targets within the Environment Bill's priority areas, emphasizing the importance of specifying concrete goals for air quality, water, biodiversity, and waste and resources. Roger Gale is addressing the procedure of a Bill Committee meeting regarding the Environment Bill. The statement discusses the Environment Bill's requirement for setting long-term environmental targets and addresses concerns over air quality through existing clean air strategies. MP Roger Gale is addressing Clause 2 of the Environment Bill regarding particulate matter air quality targets. Roger Gale proposes amendments to strengthen air quality standards in line with World Health Organisation guidelines for PM2.5 particulate matter. Rebecca Pow discusses the Environment Bill's provisions for reducing air pollution, particularly focusing on PM2.5 particulate matter. MP Roger Gale is proposing an amendment to ensure that advice sought under section 3(1) includes guidance on setting targets to significantly improve the natural environment and minimize harmful impacts of pollution. The MP is discussing amendments aimed at clarifying and strengthening the process by which the Secretary of State seeks advice on setting environmental targets under the Environment Bill. MP Roger Gale calls for a formal motion on an amendment to bring forward the deadline for laying regulations setting the PM2.5 target. The MP is proposing an amendment to ensure interim environmental targets are legally binding. Rebecca Pow is addressing concerns about legally binding interim environmental targets in the Environment Bill. The MP discusses an amendment aiming to ensure that the Secretary of State takes specific steps identified in their report to meet environmental targets. Alan Whitehead is proposing amendments to the Environment Bill to strengthen reporting requirements and ensure a holistic approach to environmental improvement. Roger Gale discusses the progress of the Environment Bill and expresses confidence in the usual channels managing the parliamentary process. Roger Gale is addressing the Environment Bill's progress and schedule, expressing concerns about potential delays in legislative processes. The statement discusses various submissions and organisations providing evidence to the Environment Bill committee.

Action Requested

Gale proposes amendment 178 to include specific targets such as PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in air quality, abstraction rates in water management, species diversity in biodiversity conservation, and material use reduction in waste management. He suggests that the Secretary of State should be charged with setting multiple targets based on necessity rather than a single target per area.

Key Facts

  • Amendment 178 aims to specify detailed targets within priority areas.
  • Targets include PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, abstraction rates, species diversity, and material use reduction.
  • The Bill allows setting more than one target in each priority area.
  • Service on a Bill Committee might seem like doing porridge.
  • The normal convention is for whoever moves the motion to speak first, followed by other interested members before the Minister summarises the debate.
  • Two Members have indicated that they wish to speak.
  • The Environment Bill requires setting at least one long-term target.
  • There is an existing clean air strategy held up by the World Health Organisation as an example for others to follow.
  • £3.5 billion has been committed to deliver the clean air strategy.
  • Roger Gale is satisfied with the debates on Clause 1.
  • No further debate or vote is proposed for Clause 1.
  • Amendment 185 seeks to follow World Health Organisation PM2.5 air quality guidelines by the end of 2030.
  • Amendment 25 aims to strengthen human health and environmental impact assessments against targets in clause 6, page 4.
  • Amendments 26 and 27 propose reviews within six months of updated WHO guidelines publication.
  • The Environment Bill includes a duty to set a legally binding target for PM2.5.
  • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is considered particularly dangerous as it lodges in the lungs, causing various health issues.
  • Professor Alastair Lewis stressed the technical challenges involved in setting a PM2.5 target due to its diverse sources and chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
  • Amendment 181 seeks to include advice on setting targets in section 3(1).
  • The amendment aims to significantly improve the natural environment.
  • It also focuses on minimising harmful impacts of pollution on human health and the environment.
  • Amendment 81 aims to ensure that advice is obtained from a relevant independent expert advisory body.
  • Full public consultation should be undertaken based on this advice and published as soon as practical.
  • If the Secretary of State does not comply with the advice, they must publish reasons for the differences and make a statement to Parliament.
  • Amendment 24 aims to change the PM2.5 target regulation deadline.
  • The original deadline is set for October 31, 2022.
  • The proposed new deadline is December 31, 2020.
  • Amendment 82 proposes adding 'interim targets are met' to clause 4.
  • Voluntary environmental targets have been missed previously due to lack of legal accountability.
  • The Climate Change Act sets legally binding five-year carbon budgets.
  • The Clean Air Strategy is in place to tackle key pollutants affecting air quality.
  • The Environment Bill includes statutory requirements for monitoring, reporting, and reviewing progress.
  • The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will hold the Government accountable on environmental improvement plans every five years.
  • Amendment 83 aims to insert text into Clause 4, page 3, line 24.
  • The amendment seeks to impose a duty on the Secretary of State to take steps outlined in their report.
  • The Minister highlights that missing long-term targets triggers an investigation and potential enforcement action by the Office for Environmental Protection.
  • Amendment would include a timetable for adoption, implementation, and review.
  • Requires identification of responsible authorities for delivery.
  • Seeks an analysis of options considered and their impact on progress against targets.
  • Amendment 183 requires the Secretary of State to consider if improvements in terrestrial and marine environments constitute significant improvement.
  • The Environment Bill is under discussion in the Public Bill Committee.
  • There are several amendments and discussions about targets and deadlines within the bill.
  • The Environment Bill's Committee session is expected to resume on Thursday, March 19 at 11:30.
  • There are ongoing discussions that may impact the progress of this and other legislations.
  • Gale acknowledges the courteous and thorough nature of the Committee members during the proceedings.
  • EB13 WWF UK.
  • EB14 Countryside Alliance.
  • EB15 City of London Corporation.
  • EB16 Peter Silverman MA MSc, Clean Highways.
  • EB17 Greener UK and Wildlife and Countryside Link (supplementary submission).
  • EB18 British Lung Foundation.
  • EB19 ClientEarth.
  • EB20 London Councils.
  • EB21 Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Green City Region Lead.
  • EB22 British Heart Foundation.
  • EB23 Global Witness.
  • EB24 Global Canopy.
  • EB25 Broadway Initiative.
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