Planning Bill won't include climate change16 June 2008
Last night the Government rejected two important amendments to the new Planning Bill which would have helped ensure new major infrastructure cut carbon dioxide emissions.
The new Bill will mean that the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will take decisions on proposals for power stations, roads, airports and other big developments.
Friends of the Earth sponsored two amendments that would have made the IPC have to consider climate change when making decisions as to these new developments. Read our briefing about these amendments
The refusal of the Government to pass these amendments means that the new Planning Bill contains no legal duties on climate change reduction.
Despite a strong Labour back bench rebellion the amendment was defeated by 15 votes. Read our Press Release on the climate change amendment vote
There will be further debate on Monday 23rd June at the Third Reading stage of the Bill.
The Government is likely to stop further amendments sponsored by Friends of the Earth that would:
- Make the IPC democratically accountable
- Ensure people and communities have a meaningful right to be heard.
© SlipStreamJC
