February 2019
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will assess the future regulatory landscape for environmental standards in the UK following the unveiling of the Draft Environment Bill - including the role of the proposed Office for Environmental Protection (OEP).
The seminar will be an opportunity to consider key issues raised in the draft bill such as the polluter pays principle, the proposals to make it a legal requirement for government to have a plan for improving the environment, and concerns over the emission of climate change targets.
Delegates will also discuss how the environmental principles laid out in EU treaties might best be embedded into UK law.
With the draft bill to be debated after Easter, we expect discussion on the functions and powers that the OEP should have in overseeing environmental law and policy, including whether it should be able to levy fines and further options for stronger enforcement measures over non-compliant bodies in areas such as air, waste, water and chemical regulation.
Attendees will also look at the steps that will need to be taken in relation to the aims laid out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, with the Environmental Audit Committee calling for the Government to enshrine biodiversity targets, habitats and soil quality targets into UK law.
In the context of the Agriculture Bill, we also expect discussion on recommendations for a new land management system after the UK leaves the Common Agricultural Policy - and assessing its goals for delivering a ‘Green Brexit’.
Further sessions focus on the potential opportunities and challenges for developing UK-wide environmental standards, including discussion on the future responsibilities of the UK and devolved administrations and opportunities for promoting growth in the UK economy.
