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The #EnvironmentBill committee is meeting again today. It's about half way through its detailed line by line scrutiny of the bill. Tune in via the link below.
https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/5c7a462a-147f-480e-bf2c-c282e4e6f878
https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/5c7a462a-147f-480e-bf2c-c282e4e6f878
First on the committee's to do list today is the hugely important subject of water. The #EnvironmentBill sets out some welcome changes to to water management but further clarity and strengthening is needed. Read our briefing below.
https://greeneruk.org/sites/default/files/download/2020-11/Greener_UK_and_Link_briefing_Environment_Bill_Committee_water_clauses.pdf
https://greeneruk.org/sites/default/files/download/2020-11/Greener_UK_and_Link_briefing_Environment_Bill_Committee_water_clauses.pdf
A number of recurring themes crop up in #EnvironmentBill discussions. The importance of future proofing is one as @alanwhiteheadmp faithfully rehearses. We should not over rely on the goodwill of current ministers to guide the future interpretation of legislation.
. @PutneyFleur argues that the #EnvironmentBill must set a clear & durable framework for water regulation & management. This is not overly restrictive & is part of good law making. Amendment 130 would protect consultation rights for stakeholders & should be including in the bill.
Ministers want an open & transparent process on preparing water plans say @pow_rebecca but "Persons to be consulted" is open to potentially narrow interpretation, which could reduce consultation. Why not amend the #EnvironmentBill to provide clarity in the long term?
Now @RichardGrahamUK raises the "uncomfortable fact" that a huge amount of raw sewage is pumped into our coasts & waterways. This causes health risks ranging from hepatitis & E.coli. @thisischerilyn highlights the impact on our bathing waters & the need for year round action.
. @pow_rebecca finds a "must" in the #EnvironmentBill which prompts a cheer from the committee. For those keeping count though, "mays" outnumber "musts" in the bill by a ratio of 2:1. She puts water companies on notice and says firm action is not negotiable.
. @pow_rebecca winds up this good #EnvironmentBill debate by citing the important work of the storm overflows taskforce. @RichardGrahamUK perseveres his point & asks for the explanatory notes on the bill to be revised. Minister says she will consider that. https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/09/09/how-were-challenging-water-companies-to-improve-their-environmental-performance/
The 2028 deadline to act on environmentally damaging water abstraction licenses seems "excessively generous" argue @alanwhiteheadmp & @PutneyFleur - we @GreenerUK_ @WCL_News agree this is a serious weakness of the #EnvironmentBill which must be addressed.
The final #EnvironmentBill debate before lunch is on chemical pollution of water. This is a serious issue & deserves rigorous oversight by Parliament with decisions based on scientific advice. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/17/pet-flea-treatments-poisoning-rivers-across-england-scientists-find?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco
