Overview

This bill establishes a legal right to clean air in England and Wales, placing a duty on the Secretary of State to achieve and maintain clean air within 12 months. It creates a Citizens' Commission for Clean Air to monitor compliance and strengthens the powers of various national authorities regarding air pollution.

Description

The bill designates clean air as air free from pollutants exceeding specified limits (which may be zero) outlined in four schedules: local/atmospheric pollution, indoor air pollutants, environmentally harmful pollutants, and climate change pollutants. The Environment Agency (EA) will annually review the first three schedules, considering WHO and other international guidance, and advise the Secretary of State on necessary amendments. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) will perform similar reviews for the fourth schedule. The Secretary of State must then amend the schedules accordingly, adhering to the precautionary principle. The bill also mandates regular assessment and public reporting of air pollution, including forecasts and health advisories. It establishes a Citizens' Commission for Clean Air (CCCA) with powers to monitor compliance, initiate legal proceedings, and issue compliance notices.

The bill amends existing Acts to integrate clean air responsibilities for various organizations, including local authorities, Highways England, Historic England, Natural England, and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Secretary of State is given the power to take immediate action against imminent pollution threats, subject to Parliamentary oversight.

Government Spending

The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide funding to relevant national authorities and the CCCA to fulfill their duties under the Act. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Secretary of State: Takes on the primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining clean air, including funding and regulatory actions.
• Environment Agency (EA): Increased responsibilities for reviewing pollutants and limits, advising the Secretary of State.
• Committee on Climate Change (CCC): Increased responsibilities for reviewing climate change-related pollutants and limits.
• Local Authorities: Duty to achieve and maintain clean air within their areas, potentially increasing their expenses.
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Highways England, Historic England, Natural England: New or enhanced duties to contribute to clean air maintenance.
• Citizens' Commission for Clean Air (CCCA): New body with powers to monitor, enforce, and initiate legal actions related to clean air.
• Businesses and individuals: Potential for increased compliance costs related to reporting and emission reduction measures.
• Public: Benefits from improved air quality and the legal right to breathe clean air.

Powered by nyModel