UK sets ‘ambitious’ framework with Environmental Bill
The UK has published a policy paper on its Environmental Bill, detailing its objectives and focus areas.
Coming under the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Bill represents part of the government’s response to the ‘clear and scientific case’ and ‘growing public demand’ for advancement in environmental protection and recovery.
“The Environment Bill brings about urgent and meaningful action to deal with the environmental and climate crisis we are facing,” states the paper.
“It sets a new and ambitious domestic framework for environmental government as we maximise the opportunities created by leaving the European Union and helps to deliver on the government’s commitment to be the first generation to leave our environment in a better state.”
Among the Bill’s list of actions is the establishment of a new, independent watchdog: the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). The watchdog’s objective is to monitor progress in improving the natural environment – in accordance with the UK’s environmental improvement plans and targets.
Waste is also of concern. According to the policy paper, the Bill will also help move the UK away from a ‘take, make, use, throw’ system to a more circular economic model. “Our ambition is to keep resources in use for longer and ensure that we extract the maximum value we can from them.”
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