AQS16 Abergavenny Bio-char

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, yr Amgylchedd a Seilwaith | Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee

Bil yr Amgylchedd (Ansawdd Aer a Seinweddau) (Cymru) | The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill

Ymateb gan  | Evidence from Abergavenny Bio-char

General principles

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill, and is there a need for legislation to deliver the stated policy intention?

Valuable, yes.

What are your views on the Bill’s provisions (set out according to sections below), in particular are they workable and will they deliver the stated policy intention?

National air quality targets (sections 1 to 7)

in principle yes

Promoting awareness about air pollution (section 8)

There are other ways. I fear this will be seen as tightening the squeeze on those with low income that rely on traditional heating sources and increasing revenue. This i imagine would have a detrimental effect on the main purpose of the bill, to improve health and reduce pollution.

National air quality strategy (sections 9 to 11)

in principle yes

Air quality regulations (section 12)

Local air quality management (sections 13 to 15)

Smoke control (sections 16 to 18)

Maybe allow an adjustment period for word to get around and a better understanding gained by those targeted before imposing laws. More transparency on the state of the environment would i imagine have a greater result as it would be a given contribution rather then another demand/order.

Vehicle emissions (sections 19 to 21)

National soundscapes strategy (sections 22 and 23)

Strategic noise map and noise action plans (sections 24)

General provisions (sections 25 to 28);

What are the potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions and how does the Bill take account of them?

Policing , evidencing and exemptions.  All open to descrepancies.

How appropriate are the powers in the Bill for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation (as set out in Chapter 5 of Part 1 of the Explanatory Memorandum)?

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial implications of the Bill as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum?

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

Apologies for only a few answers, very little time to read all the bill and understand the legal terms, i felt giving those dependant on natural heat sources a chance to improve their understanding and practices without imposing more laws would have a greater effect on reducing pollutants.