Overview

This bill establishes a legal right to breathe clean air in England and Wales. It sets ambitious targets for reducing air pollution, creates a new Citizens' Commission for Clean Air to monitor and enforce these targets, and strengthens the powers of various government bodies to tackle air pollution.

Description

The bill enshrines the right to clean air, legally requiring the Secretary of State to achieve and maintain clean air within five years, with possible five-year extensions under strict conditions. It sets specific limits for pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM_2.5) by 2024 and 2030, respectively. A new Citizens' Commission for Clean Air (CCCA) is established with powers to review pollution limits, advise the government, and even take legal action. The bill also mandates the assessment and reporting of air pollution, including indoor air quality, and strengthens the roles of various national authorities in achieving clean air goals. The bill incorporates environmental principles such as prevention and precaution.

Government Spending

The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide sufficient funding to relevant national authorities and the CCCA to fulfill their duties. Specific figures for this funding are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Secretary of State: Takes on the primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining clean air, requiring significant action and funding.
• Citizens' Commission for Clean Air (CCCA): New body with significant powers to monitor, advise, and enforce clean air standards.
• Environment Agency, Committee on Climate Change, Local Authorities, Civil Aviation Authority, National Highways, Historic England, Natural England, Network Rail: These bodies have enhanced duties and responsibilities to contribute to clean air goals.
• Businesses: Increased reporting requirements, potential for stricter regulations on emissions.
• Public: Benefits from improved air quality and legal protection of their right to clean air. May experience increased scrutiny from the CCCA regarding complaints about air pollution.

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