Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024
Overview
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving air quality and soundscapes throughout Wales. The Act introduces several key measures to achieve this goal, including the regulation of solid fuel use, the establishment of a national soundscapes strategy, and the implementation of trunk road charging schemes to reduce air pollution. This article provides an overview of the Act, its key requirements, and its potential impacts on businesses in Wales.
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses various aspects of environmental protection in Wales. The Act aims to reduce air pollution, improve soundscapes, and promote sustainable transport solutions. It builds upon existing laws and regulations related to air quality and soundscapes, providing a more robust framework for environmental protection in Wales.
The key requirements of the Act include:
- The Act regulates the use of solid fuel in buildings, fireplaces, and industrial plants in Wales.
- The Act prohibits the acquisition and sale of unauthorised solid fuels for use in areas covered by smoke control orders.
- The Act requires the Welsh Ministers to prepare and publish a national strategy on soundscapes, which includes policies for assessing and managing noise pollution.
- The Act introduces trunk road charging schemes, which allow for the implementation of charges on certain roads to reduce air pollution. These schemes must be made for the purpose of reducing or limiting air pollution in the vicinity of the road and can only be implemented under specific circumstances.
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 was made on the 14th of February 2024 and applies to Wales.
Does the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 affect my business?
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 is likely to have significant impacts on businesses in Wales, particularly those involved in the sale or use of solid fuels. Businesses that sell solid fuels for use in buildings, fireplaces, or industrial plants covered by smoke control orders will need to ensure that they are only selling authorised fuels and that they are not selling to prohibited areas.
Additionally, businesses operating in areas where trunk road charging schemes are implemented may be affected by the new charges. These businesses may need to factor in the cost of the charges when planning their operations and consider alternative transport options to reduce their impact on air pollution.
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 represents a significant step forward in environmental protection in Wales. By regulating solid fuel use, establishing a national soundscapes strategy, and implementing trunk road charging schemes, the Act aims to improve air quality and soundscapes throughout the country. While businesses may face challenges in complying with the new requirements, the Act ultimately offers a valuable opportunity to enhance environmental sustainability in Wales.
Do I need the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 in my ISO Compliance Register?
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 is likely to affect a wide range of businesses in Wales, including:
- Retailers and suppliers of solid fuels;
- Businesses operating in areas covered by smoke control orders;
- Transport companies operating on trunk roads subject to charging schemes; and
- Industrial plants and facilities using solid fuels.
If this includes your business you will need the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 in your ISO Compliance Register.
Legislation related to the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024
Legislation related to the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 include:
- Environment Act 1995
- Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011
- Environment (Wales) Act 2016
- Environment Act 2021
More information
Visit the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 article on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and add this article to your Register.
