A new regulation has been published, aimed at reducing emissions from a variety of substances, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (S02), ammonia (NH3) and fine particular matter (PM2.5). The regulation is aimed at addressing emissions from a national level and therefore impacts government.
The regulation transposes the EU Directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants and amends National Emission Ceilings Regulation 2002. The regulation addresses emissions from a variety of substances, including:
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs)
- Sulphur dioxide (S02)
- Ammonia (NH3)
- Fine particular matter (PM2.5)
National emissions of these substances are to be reduced to below a specified percentage, dependent on the 2005, the base year of this reduction. The reduction will be done in two phases, from 2020 – 2029, with more stringent levels to be met from 2030 onwards. The regulation requires the Sectary of State to prepare an annual inventory for each of the named substances.
The overall aim of the Directive is to reduce air pollution, improve air quality and create a cleaner, healthier environment. As one of the UKs largest environmental issues, the regulation is imperative to addressing the issue of domestic air pollution and subsequent issues that this brings, including the human health impacts that this creates.
The National Emission Ceilings Regulations 2018, published on legislation.gov.uk.