The new Environment Act which “will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on earth” was supported last week by Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, who has said “these practical measures will cherish and conserve Harlow's beautiful environment”.
The new, legally binding measures include:
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Halting the decline in species like the hedgehog, red squirrel and water vole by 2030
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Ensuring all new building developments improve or create habitats for nature
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Tackling deforestation both in the UK and overseas
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Incentivising more recycling and encourage businesses to create sustainable packaging
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Stopping the exporting of polluting plastic waste to developing countries
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Creating a new independent Office for Environmental Protection to hold government and public bodies to account on their environmental obligations
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Ending the discharge of sewage into rivers, waterways and coastlines
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Introducing a deposit Return Scheme for single use drinks containers and new charges for single use plastics
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Cleaning up our air quality with new powers for local authorities
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Strengthening woodland protection enforcement measures
Commenting on his support for the new landmark law, Mr Halfon said: “I care deeply about cherishing and conserving our environment in a way that does not force up the cost of living for hard working Harlow residents. Last week, I voted for practical measures that will do just that and are now backed up in law.
“This new law will protect many of our much-loved species like hedgehogs, conserve our wonderful forests and landscapes, clean up our rivers and waterways and reduce plastic pollution. All of these measures will make Harlow an even greener place to live by cherishing our wonderful environment for future generations.”
The Environment Act has been strongly welcomed by a number of industry leaders such as Natural England Chair, Tony Juniper, who said: “This landmark Act will give us more of the tools and the momentum we need to really put nature on the road to recovery during this decade, enabling us to have more, better, bigger and connected areas of natural habitats, bringing a range of practical benefits and permitting more people to enjoy the wonders of the natural world, while improving wider environmental quality at the same time.”
Dame Glenys Stacey, Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection added: “The Environment Act is a cornerstone of the government’s ambitions to tackle ever more pressing environmental issues.
“I am delighted that the Act creates the independent Office for Environmental Protection, and gives us the tools for our job – to protect and improve the environment by holding government and public authorities to account.”
