Environmental regulations come under government scrutiny

The Cabinet Office's Red Tape Challenge began taking views on Thursday 1 September regarding the removal of environmental regulations that could be hindering businesses. The Government is seeking views on how existing environmental regulations are working in practice, and whether alternative methods could be used to meet its environmental policy goals. Views are being sought over the next three weeks on 287 environmental regulations that apply to businesses, such as emissions, waste and wildlife protection.
In support of the initiative environment minister Jim Paice said that some of the rules businesses are required to follow are "too complicated, ineffective or just obsolete." He called for businesses to share ideas on how to improve environmental regulations. Energy minister Charles Hendry added that it is "vital" the Government's regulations support efforts to tackle climate change, and not swamp businesses with unnecessary red tape.
Friends of the Earth responded to the announcement by saying the initiative would damage businesses efforts to become greener. Policy and campaigns director Craig Bennett said the challenge would be a hindrance to business growth and sends out "completely the wrong signals about the Government's commitment to being the greenest ever". He added that environmental regulations could be good for businesses, by encouraging investment in new technologies and industries, but he said the review "undermines businesses that want to operate to high green standards".
Cabinet Office     Defra     Friends of the Earth