Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the news that the Environment Bill will have legally binding targets that will focus on improving air quality, water, waste and biodiversity.
Caroline recently met with several constituents to discuss the importance of protecting our environment and tackling climate change and raised concerns direct with Ministers. The government has today set out how the legally binding targets will be used in these four priority areas to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
The ambitious targets will apply to future governments and set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in conjunction with independent experts and stakeholders. The current and future governments will be held to account by the new independent environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection, that will report annually on progress made.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“The targets we set under our landmark Environment Bill will be the driving force behind our bold action to protect and enhance our natural world - guaranteeing real and lasting progress on some of the biggest environmental issues facing us today.
“I hope these targets will provide some much-needed certainty to businesses and society, as we work together to build back better and greener.”
Caroline has welcomed the news and is pleased to see that both air and water quality will be targeted which is important for the Gosport Constituency. The local area back in 2018 was identified at being at risk of dangerous pollution levels, highlighted in Fareham around the A27 and A32. Plastic pollution is also a key focus of the binding targets, which is a particularly visible problem that blights local beaches. Caroline herself took a #PlasticPledge over Lent for two consecutive years where she stopped buying single-use plastic to raise awareness of plastic pollution and alternatives that are on the market.
She commented:
“I am proud to support this Bill as it aims to bring real and significant change to our national and local environment.
“These legally binding targets will prioritise areas that are of incredible importance to the Gosport constituency and the aim to ‘build back greener’ following the pandemic I know is something that matters to my constituents, who often contact me about their environmental concerns.
“I look forward to seeing the Bill pass through Parliament.”
