Day: 21 January 2005

New recycling figures show improvement

The Government published new figures for recycling this week, claiming that England is recycling more household waste than ever before and is poised to meet its national recycling and composting target of 17% for 2003/04.

French draft water law heads for parliament

The French environment ministry has asked the state council to advise on reworked proposals for a major overhaul of national water law before they are sent to parliament.

REACH proposals examined by Parliament as balanced solutions sought

The European Parliament started examination of the Commission's REACH proposals this week, after a week of intense lobbying from industry and environmental groups alike.

Wind power guide launched – planning rules still main barrier

The Socialist Environment and Resources Association (SERA), a Labour affiliated environmental think tank, has published a wind power guide for MPs and councillors to assess the issues surrounding the development of wind energy and outline the challenges that must be overcome for the UK to fulfil its wind potential.

Private Members bill renew energy debate

The second reading of the Renewable Energy Bill, due for debate on Friday 14th January, will be given extra fuel with the introduction of two Private Members Bills.

Environment Agency slams Tory tax cut maths

The Environment Agency has questioned the basis of the Conservative Party's tax cuts plans, particularly over its proposals to save money by cutting funding to the Agency's environment protection work.

Spanish government adopts laws to control industrial contamination

A law designed to control and reduce contamination levels at industrial sites has been passed this week by the Spanish government's Ministry for the Environment.

Roche expresses regret at recycling plant closure

Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche, TD, has expressed his regret at the announcement that Ireland's only paper mill plant with a recycling capacity will have to be closed down.

UK air pollution down on last year

Air pollution levels in the UK have dropped in both urban and rural areas, according to provisional statistics released by the government this week.

German coal industry granted multi-billion cash aid

Authorisation for funding worth €2.7 billion has been granted to support Germany's coal industry, the European Commission announced has this week.

Commission continues legal action over emissions trading

The European Commission is continuing legal action against four Member States for not having fully transposed the Emissions Trading Directive into national law by 31 December 2003.

Bush Administration’s air proposals could endanger public health

An interim report by the National Research Council proves that the Bush Administration's proposed Clean Air Act revisions take undue risks with public health, according to grassroots organisation, Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP America).

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