25 Year Environment Plan

Just as the Environment Bill is broader in scope than the Clean Air Strategy, the 25 Year Environment Plan is broader in scope still. It describes a long term reform package that aims to achieve the following:

1. Clean air.
2. Clean and plentiful water.
3. Thriving plants and wildlife.
4. A reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought.
5. Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently.
6. Enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment. In addition, we will manage pressures on the environment by:
7. Mitigating and adapting to climate change.
8. Minimising waste.
9. Managing exposure to chemicals.
10. Enhancing biosecurity.

Item 1 is further elaborated:

We will achieve clean air by:

• Meeting legally binding targets to reduce emissions of five damaging air pollutants. This should halve the effects of air pollution on health by 2030.
• Ending the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
• Maintaining the continuous improvement in industrial emissions by building on existing good practice and the successful regulatory framework.

The plan also specifically states the ambition to publish a Clean Air Strategy, which has already been achieved, and to curb emissions from combustion plants and generators.

Some of the aspects of the plan relate to the whole of the UK, and some (where environmental policy is devolved and responsibility rests with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive) relate only to England.