What Happens When the UK Breaks EU Environmental Laws?

As the air quality continues to worsen in major cities, it’s become common to hear of the UK breaking EU laws or breaching their limits. But what does this mean? It sounds quite serious, but as of yet we haven’t heard of any action being taken. Read on to find out the consequences of breaching EU air pollution limits.

Stepping up the action

At the start of February, an EU review revealed that the UK is failing in several areas of environmental law. And it was the same day – 6^th February – that the EU commission decided to step up its action against Britain.

After breaching the nitrogen dioxide limits – from diesel cars and industrial emissions – for nearly seven years, it’s fair to say Britain has had enough time to change. Add to that the annual air pollution limit just five days into 2017 and you can see why the EU are getting impatient.

Reasoned opinion

To (again) draw attention to the matter, the EU has sent a “reasoned opinion” to a total of five problem countries. On 15^th February, Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy were informed of the continued breaches. If they do not provide an adequate response within two months, the matter will be taken to the European court. If any countries are found guilty of their persistent offences, they could be fined a significant amount.

But this isn’t an attack on the UK, nor is it an attack on any of these countries. The EU is simply raising alarm that the current governments in those countries have failed to apply the necessary laws. “It is great that the EU is doing this,” said Seb Dance, Labour MEP. “It shows the value of being in the union and having recourse to action when standards are breached”

Applying laws, creating solutions

When laws and regulations are put in place by the government, industry players have no choice but to reduce their emissions. Big firms in a number of industries have highly skilled staff in place to ensure any regulations are met. But failure to regulate industries properly will simply result in an ongoing problem.

The energy industry is no different. E.ON have a large network of power stations which need to comply with relevant regulations. The article ‘A day in the life of…’ explores the day to day responsibilities of their Environment Advisors and how they impact on the company’s environmental activity.