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Stakeholders endorse Environmental Protection Agency

The chorus of support for a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grew louder today with the publication of twenty-one statements of support [1] for the proposal from influential stakeholders drawn from all sectors. Political leaders, captains of industry, consumer champions, anglers and representatives of the rural community all lined up to pledge their support for a new EPA here. The endorsements are published ahead of a decision by Environment Minister Arlene Foster on whether to establish a new independent environmental watchdog for the region [2]. The statements are published by the alliance of green groups that has been campaigning for the creation of an EPA here [3].   

First to lend his support was Peter Dixon, Chief Executive of Phoenix Gas:

"We are strongly supportive of the establishment of a single Environmental Protection Agency, in line with the rest of the UK and Ireland. The establishment of such an agency would greatly support the Northern Ireland business community by the promotion and communication of environmental best practice. Given that we now govern our own affairs it is time for a fresh start, one which looks to the future with hope."   

Consumer Council Chief Executive Eleanor Gill added her endorsement:

"A strong, integrated Environmental Protection Agency here is long overdue. Consumers and taxpayers can't continue to pick up the tab for those who pollute our environment: those who pollute must pay for its clean-up. In our view, an independent environmental regulator is needed to consistently and vigorously apply the 'polluter pays' principle without exception in line with EU legislation. There is a unique opportunity to show how much we value our environment by moving decisively to establish this much-needed body and setting it to work!"

Robbie Marshall, Development Officer with the Ulster Angling Federation voiced his frustration and appealed for reform:

"Water is the source and mainstay of life. Sadly over the years, our waterways have been neglected and mismanaged. We must not allow the mistakes of the past to continue.  It is the opinion of the Ulster Angling Federation that, with the 'mish-mash' of Government departments involved with water, it would be better to have an independent and integrated Environmental Protection Agency."

The document was collated by Lisa Fagan of Friends of the Earth, on behalf of The Coalition for Environmental Protection:

"Although the call to establish an agency came first from the environmental community, the chorus of support is getting louder as the consensus grows that a high-quality environment underpins economic prosperity. The EPA campaign now enjoys the support of many representative organisations and influential individuals [4]. Mrs Foster has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our failing system of environmental protection. We hope the endorsements published today will encourage the Minister to introduce the necessary reforms." 

An Environmental Protection Agency would assume responsibility for the work currently performed by DOE Environment and Heritage Service. Ms Fagan concluded:

"Northern Ireland's environment faces many threats, including our growing mountain of waste, rising carbon emissions and relentless development pressures. This generation is witnessing the loss of wildlife habitat, the decline of many species and the erosion of our built heritage and special landscapes. It's no surprise that there is widespread support for new institutional arrangements for the management and protection of our environment."      

Notes

[1] (back) The document is published on Friends of the Earth's website. 

[2] (back) Environment Minister Arlene Foster MLA is currently considering the report of the Review of Environmental Governance which included a recommendation to establish an Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland. Mrs Foster is expected to make her decision shortly. The Review of Environmental Governance was established  by former Environment Minister Jeff Rooker. Its final report was published in June 2007.

[3] (back) The Coalition for Environmental Protection comprises:

Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland
Friends of the Earth
National Trust
Northern Ireland Environment Link
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Ulster Wildlife Trust
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Woodlands Trust
WWF (Northern Ireland) 

[4] (back) The twenty-one statements of support come from:

* Gerry Adams, President, Sinn Fein
* Gordon Best, Regional Director, Quarry Products Association
* Deborah Boyd, Chief Executive, Re3 Group and former Chair, Waste Management Advisory Board
* Tom Burke, Chair, Review of Environmental Governance
* Patrick Casement, Farmer and Regional Chair, National Trust
* Peter Dixon, Chief Executive, Phoenix Gas
* Mark Durkan, Leader, SDLP
* David Ford, Leader, Alliance Party
* Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive, Consumer Council
* Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Community Network
* Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist Party
* Daniel Lawrence, Chair, UK Environmental Law Association
* Robbie Marshall, Development Officer, Ulster Angling Federation
* Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive, NI Council for Voluntary Action
* Gary McFarlane, Director, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Northern Ireland
* Jonathon Porritt, Chair, UK Sustainable Development Commission
* Nigel Smyth, Director, CBI Northern Ireland
* Dave Tovey, Environment and Risk Prevention Manager, Michelin Tyres. Ballymena
* Sue Ward, Environment Director, Business in the Community
* John Warke, Chair, Environmental and Planning Law Association for NI; former Chief Commissioner, Planning and Water Appeals Commission
* Brian Wilson, Green Party