Environment Law Summaries

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Environmental liability - Directive by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 March 2010, 00:10 CET

The first EC legislation whose main objectives include the application of the "polluter pays" principle, this Directive establishes a common framework for liability with a view to preventing and remedying damage to animals, plants, natural habitats and water resources, and damage affecting the land. The liability scheme applies to certain specified occupational activities and to other activities in cases where the operator is at fault or negligent. The public authorities are also responsible for ensuring that the operators responsible take or finance the necessary preventive or remedial measures themselves.

ICTs to facilitate the transition to an energy-efficient, low-carbon economy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 14 January 2010, 12:02 CET

The EU is committed to a 20 % reduction in its carbon emissions by 2020. This target will be difficult to reach if the potential of ICTs is not fully exploited. ICTs can allow CO2 emissions to be reduced considerably whilst bringing the European Union up to a high level of innovation and competitiveness.

Quality of petrol and diesel fuels: sulphur and lead by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 January 2010, 17:01 CET

To reduce pollution from car emissions, the EU has introduced new environmental specifications applicable to fuels: a ban on the marketing of leaded petrol and the obligation to make sulphur-free fuels available within the Union.

EU Strategy for biofuels by Ina Dimireva — last modified 16 December 2009, 18:14 CET

The EU sets out seven strategic policy areas for the development of the production and use of biofuels by the Member States and developing countries.

Sixth Environment Action Programme by Ina Dimireva — last modified 16 December 2009, 00:10 CET

The EU defines the priorities and objectives of European environment policy up to 2010 and beyond and describes the measures to be taken to help implement its sustainable development strategy.

Community action plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean by Ina Dimireva — last modified 04 December 2009, 14:16 CET

This communication from the European Commission establishes an action plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean.

Greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme by Ina Dimireva — last modified 10 December 2009, 16:41 CET

The European Union is establishing a greenhouse gas emission trading scheme for the cost-effective reduction of such emissions in the Community. This scheme should enable the Community and the Member States to meet the commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions made in the context of the Kyoto Protocol. Installations operating in the energy sector, iron and steel production and processing, the mineral industry and the paper and board industry will automatically be subject to the emission trading scheme.