After much cajoling, Defra finally published its air quality plan at the end of July, as directed by the High Court. It included plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040. It also passed certain air quality responsibilities to local authorities, who’ve been tasked with producing initial plans within eight months and final plans by the end of 2018.
Criticism came thick and fast, which was inevitable given the legal fights to get the document published in the first place. This critique centered on a lack of plans to legislate for clean air zones and for no comprehensive diesel scrappage scheme.
While the UK government attempts to clarify its own agenda and approach, the air quality agenda continues to move apace (driven by Brussels). Coming into force on 19th December 2017, the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) is an important regulation affecting the energy industry. It sets new emission regulations for plants with a thermal input between 1 MW to 50 MW. For more information on this click here.
Clearly, air quality is and will remain a key plank of any UK / EU environmental strategy, and the launch of the UK’s Clean Growth Plan in October demonstrated a rare slice of ambition from central Government, recognising that technology needs to work hand in hand with the environment, driving growth and low emission output.
At Prova, we believe smart and targeted communications can drive growth in the developing air quality market – to find out how we can help you take advantage of the opportunities, contact Simon Ward, Head of Environment, on 01926 776 900 or email simonw@provapr.co.uk