Overview

This bill establishes a legal requirement for numerous public bodies in England and Wales to actively contribute to environmental targets set under the Environment Act 2021 and the Climate Change Act 2008. It mandates that these bodies take all reasonable steps to meet these environmental goals in their daily operations.

Description

The bill introduces a "environmental recovery objective," making it a principal objective for listed public bodies. This objective focuses on contributing to targets under the Environment Act 2021 and the Climate Change Act 2008 (including its adaptation programme). The bill places a duty on these public bodies to take all reasonable steps to meet this objective when carrying out their functions.

List of Affected Public Bodies

The bill initially specifies a wide range of public bodies, including: the Forestry Commission, Rural Payments Agency, Environment Agency, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Office for Environmental Protection, designated national park authorities, Ofwat, Ofgem, the Coal Authority, ESO, Committee on Climate Change, Great British Nuclear, Oil and Gas Authority, Offshore Petroleum Regulator, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, National Highways, Network Rail, UK Infrastructure Bank, The Crown Estate, all Ministers of the Crown, and various local authorities in England (unitary authorities, London boroughs, metropolitan districts, county councils, district councils, combined authorities, internal drainage boards, and commons councils).

The list can be expanded by the Minister of the Crown via regulations, subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly specify any new government spending. However, the implementation of the bill's requirements may necessitate increased spending by the affected public bodies to meet the environmental targets. The exact financial implications will depend on the specific actions taken by each organisation.

Groups Affected

The bill significantly impacts a broad range of public bodies in England and Wales, requiring them to integrate environmental considerations into their operations. This could lead to changes in their policies, practices, and potentially, resource allocation. The success of the bill's implementation will depend on the cooperation and resources committed by these entities. The public, ultimately, benefits from better environmental protection and climate action.

Powered by nyModel