Environmental group deplores stance by UK, Italy and Eastern Europe
A leading European environmental group said it regrets the outcome of an Environment Council vote which, it said, weakened proposals for industrial emissions controls.
‘We are appalled by the minimalist approach taken by certain Member States led by the UK and Poland,’ said Christian Schaible, the European Environmental Bureau’s (EEB) industrial policy officer.
He added: ‘Shouldn’t Environment Ministers be more concerned about ensuring better health and environmental conditions for its citizens rather than securing additional profits for operators by prolonging the period during which underperforming plants can continue being heavy polluters?’
“We are appalled by the minimalist approach.
Christian Schaible, the European Environmental Bureau’s industrial policy officer
The main points of contention debated in Council were the minimal emission limits for large industrial sites and the level of flexibility they are allowed, which enables plants to deviate from emission levels.
Part of the Czech Presidency’s proposal to allow large plants four more years to reach their emission limits did not go far enough for the UK, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania, who made sure the deadline was ultimately extended to 2021, reported the EEB.
