MEPs have set a professional exposure value limit for diesel emissions at 0.05mg/m3, during the adoption by a robust majority (47 votes for, 0 votes against with 7 abstentions) of the report by Claude Rolin (EPP, Belgium) on the second revision of the directive on exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic agents, at the employment and social affairs Committee (EMPL) on Tuesday 27 March.
We have been informed that there were discussions between political groups on the introduction of this value limit. ALDE wanted an impact assessment before making a decision. Mr Rolin was concerned that these value limits for diesel would be put back to the next mandate. Ultimately, all the political groups, with the exception of the ENF, supported the inclusion of diesel vapours.
The rapporteur welcomes this position. Mr Rolin also pointed out that almost 3.6 million workers were exposed to diesel vapours in their workplace. Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, France), shadow rapporteur known for her opposition to this technology was particularly pleased with this development and stated, "This victory is already helping us to repair a great injustice because despite the general awareness about the dangers from diesel, the Commission retreated from including it in its draft revision".
Another major source of satisfaction for Mr Rolin and his team is that the sectoral and multi-sectoral agreements negotiated by the social partners have been included in the European Parliament's position for completing regulatory measures. The aim is to facilitate the distribution of good practices in the different sectors of activity on other substances. If this provision is retained at the end of the inter-institutional negotiations, it will set a precedent for other European legislation.
Claude Rolin pointed out that, “Our proposal aims to expand in the different sectors and future legislation involving other substances because the revision work is continuing and is expected to be permanent”.
MEPs are also calling on the Commission to continue its work on proposing a value exposure limit on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH - calculated on the basis of benzo [a] pyrene).
One interesting point: the MEP’s position on obtaining a directive revision mechanism (see EUROPE 11830) is mentioned in a compromise amendment and the MEPs stipulate the need for revision of the directive on a “regular basis”.
The objective is to open inter-institutional negotiations by the end of May, according to confirmation provided by several sources, in an effort to reach an agreement under the mandate of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Introducing diesel value limits would obtain consensus from the national delegations, excluding the Hungarians and Polish, according to one source.
The Commission intends to present a third and fourth revision of the said directive before the end of May. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)