Clean Air Bill

Official Summary

A Bill to establish the right to breathe clean air; to make provision for the purpose of reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution, including greenhouse gases; to set minimum standards for air quality in workplaces, homes and public spaces; to require the monitoring of air quality; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for reducing air pollution, including setting targets and measures for air quality, and to report to Parliament annually on the implementation of that strategy; to give powers to the Office for Environmental Protection to enforce legislation relating to air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; to make provision for the purpose of reducing pollution from vehicles; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to encourage and facilitate forms of active travel and to publish a strategy for reducing emissions from transport; to require the Secretary of State to promote public awareness of the impact of air pollution on public health; to place restrictions on the use of wood-burning stoves in urban areas; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

The Clean Air Bill aims to establish a legal right to clean air, set targets for reducing air pollution (indoor and outdoor), and implement various measures to improve air quality across the UK, particularly focusing on transport and domestic heating. The bill also strengthens the Office for Environmental Protection's enforcement powers.

Description

This bill introduces a legally enforceable right to clean air, requiring legislation to be interpreted compatibly with this right. It mandates the setting of air pollution reduction targets, including aiming for World Health Organization recommended limits by 2030. Minimum air quality standards will be set for workplaces, homes, and public spaces. The bill requires improved air quality monitoring by local authorities and the Environment Agency, with the latter empowered to issue pollution warnings. A national strategy for reducing air pollution, with annual parliamentary reports, is also required. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will have enhanced powers to enforce air quality regulations.

Transport and Vehicle Regulations:

The bill aims to reduce vehicle pollution by empowering local authorities to establish low-emission zones and restrict access for vehicles not meeting Euro 5 standards. It requires the development of sustainable transport plans and encourages active travel. Significantly, it proposes a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, with penalties for non-compliance. Additional penalties for stationary idling are introduced, especially near schools.

Other Measures:

The bill addresses maritime and airport air pollution, requiring monitoring, emissions reduction technology, and electric supply points in ports and airports. It also promotes public awareness of air pollution's health impacts and introduces restrictions on wood-burning stoves in urban areas.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

General Public: Will benefit from improved air quality and potentially reduced health problems. May face restrictions on wood-burning stoves and older vehicles.
Local Authorities: Will have increased responsibilities for air quality monitoring, planning, and enforcement.
Environment Agency: Will have increased monitoring and enforcement powers, particularly related to pollution warnings and traffic calming measures.
Office for Environmental Protection (OEP): Will have expanded enforcement powers concerning air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
Businesses (especially transport): May face costs associated with meeting stricter emission standards and regulations concerning vehicle sales and operation.
Port and Airport Authorities: Will need to comply with new regulations concerning emissions and the provision of electric supply points.

Full Text

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