Welsh to set emissions reduction targets

The Environment (Wales) Bill has been introduced to more effectively plan and manage Wales’ natural resources in a more proactive, cohesive and sustainable way.

The Bill consists of a number of parts intended to achieve the aims.

These include:

Part 1: Sustainable management of natural resources. This provides a modern legislation for managing Wales’ natural resources to resolve the challenges posed.

Part 2: Climate change. This provides the Welsh Ministers with a power to implement statutory emission reduction targets and carbon budgeting to support their delivery.

Part 3: Charges for carrier bags. This provides the Welsh Ministers with the power to address issues in implementing the successful carrier bag charge.

Part 4: Collection and disposal of waste. This intends to improve waste management processes and achieve higher levels of business waste recycling, better food waste treatment and increased energy recovery.

Parts 5 & 6: Fisheries for shellfish and marine licensing. This provides clarity on the law in relation to shellfisheries management and marine licensing.

Part 7: Flood & Coastal Erosion Committee and land drainage. This clarifies the law for other environmental regulatory regimes including flood risk management and land drainage.

Royal Assent is anticipated for the Spring of 2016.