"This year has been an usual one, not only due to the global Covid-19 pandemic which allowed us all to take stock and the environment to have a much needed re-set, but it has been monumental in terms of bringing forward proposals for the way in which we preserve, protect, enhance and monitor the environment. Never before have we seen such collaboration of different Government departments and whilst some argue the plans do not go far enough, they are at the very least, a step in the right direction.
"The latest developments see the Environment Bill, which is the flagship Brexit Bill proposed by the Government in 2020 is due to return to the House of Commons for its third reading having safely passed through the Bill Passage Committee. This Bill brings forward targets on air, water, biodiversity net gain, waste as well as corporate governance and the creation of the Office of Environmental Protection. This office will oversee decisions made by the Government and public bodies to keep overall scrutiny of such actions, which until 31st December 2020 is a duty of the European Court of Justice.
"Furthermore, the Agriculture Act 2020, changes the way in which farmers and landowners are paid their subsidies. This establishes the Environmental Land Management scheme which will pay out for public goods produced to encourage a healthy and efficient agricultural sector. This brings the 25 year Environment Plan to the heart of this scheme.
"2021 is setting up to be another monumental year!"
www.irwinmitchell.com
News Headlines
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The threat of large-scale fly-tipping (article by Rob Symons, Operations Director, CRJ Services)
Pollution
In 2022/23 there were 42,000 large fly-tipping incidents in England alone. This cost hard-pressed local authorities £13.2 million (compared to £10.7 million the previous year) and created a threat to human health, wildlife habitats and the wider environment. Defined as being at least one tipper lorry load in size, large fly-tipping incidents also create a barrier to land development, improvement and restoration.
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Download or grab a print copy - Latest Environment Times magazine is out
Book/report launches
The latest Environment Times can be viewed as a digital copy by clicking here or on the front cover image, and we will also be giving out copies at the forthcoming trade exhibitions from our stands. It's full of news and information about those working to make our world more sustainable in a practical and commercial way.
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Download or grab a print copy - Latest Environment Times' Case Studies Collection is out!
Book/report launches
The latest Case Study Collection from Environment Times can be viewed as a digital copy, and we will also be giving out copies at the forthcoming RWM and EMEX trade exhibitions from our stands. It's full of news and information about those working to make our world more sustainable in a practical and commercial way.
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Scotch whisky distiller halves carbon and will share secrets of its success 'open source'
Business
Scotch whisky maker Chivas Brothers has made the expertise and learnings from its successful integration of enhanced heat recovery technologies 'open source'. The move was made after the application of the technology at its Glentauchers site showed significant benefit in carbon emissions reduction, providing insights that will benefit the industry at large if adopted at other suitable distillation sites.
Irwin Mitchell
Environmental Law Update
Claire Petricca-Riding is a Partner and Head of Planning and Environment at law firm Irwin Mitchell, she gives an environmental law update....