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MEPs back tighter pollution controls for big industry
March 11, 2009 3:11 PM
The European Parliament has backed new EU rules to more effectively reduce polluting emissions from the 50,000 largest industrial plants in Europe. But the legislation is being made less bureaucratic, more flexible and simpler, as seven existing directives are being consolidated into one.
Permits for big plants like metals, chemicals, food and paper factories, power stations, waste incinerators and oil refineries have to be obtained from national governments, and can only be granted if all environmental protection requirements are met.
Liberal Democrat MEP for London Sarah Ludford said:
"The existing legislation allows too many loopholes, exemptions and derogations, so it has been pretty ineffective. The setting of binding emission limits which cannot be evaded will ensure better environmental protection and a level playing field for industry."
"Tougher laws to cap emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and dust will not only deliver better health and quality of life for people who live near these big industrial plants, but also assist in the fight against climate change."
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