Brussels, 08/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament (EP) made clear in Strasbourg on Wednesday 7 July, that it wants clearer rules on the prevention and monitoring of water, air and soil pollution by industry, and cleaner air in Europe, through more stringent emissions standards with the application of the best available technology (BAT), while not losing sight of the difficulties faced by some member states, still dependent on old coal-fired power stations, in adapting to the new conditions.
In its second reading vote on the draft recast into one single directive of legislation on integrates pollution prevention and control (see EUROPE 9929), the EP adopted, by 639 votes to 35, with 10 abstentions, the compromise reached in June with the Council. “After more than two years of difficult negotiations we have a compromise that will help to improve the implementation of the directive. Compared to the current situation, this offers more clarity and a better chance of a level playing field across Europe on environmental requirements for industrial installations,” said rapporteur Holger Kramer (ALDE, Germany). The text will impose stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and dust from 2016, but member states will be able to use “transitional national plans” to allow large combustion plants (including fossil fuel power stations) up to July 2020 to meet the rules. Some older plants may not have to meet the targets, as long as they close by the end of 2023 or have 17,500 operating hours after 2016, whichever happens first. Newer power stations must still meet the 2012 deadline that applies to them. (A.N./transl.rt)