Red Tape Challenge threatens environmental protection2 September 2011
Businesses and the public have until 21 September to suggest how Ministers can cut environmental regulations.
Under the Red Tape Challenge, the Government is asking businesses for ideas to make regulations less "burdensome".
There are a wide range of environmental laws covering issues such as emissions, waste and wildlife protection.
However, many of these rules are necessary to give certainty about the Government's commitment to building a stable, clean and healthy future.
They encourage firms to invest in new technologies and industries - and take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
Red light to green economy
Friends of the Earth's Policy & Campaigns Director, Craig Bennett, believes the Red Tape Challenge sends completely the wrong signals about Government commitments.
We were promised that this Government would be the greenest ever, but this initiative undermines those businesses that want to operate to high green standards.
Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth
Earlier this year the UK's leading companies urged David Cameron for strong and clear action on climate change - based on the science.
But the Government seems to be going back on its word and making it easier for industries to pollute.
Market needs direction
Mixed messages are likely to be bad for the environment and the economy. The Stern Review found that the costs of tackling climate change are far less than doing nothing at all.
Business needs to know that the money it invests in green development today will gain value tomorrow - which is only possible with policies that prevent polluting activities.
Find out more about why we're campaigning for a green economy.
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