Industrial Emissions: Parliament Tightens Rules To Reduce Pollution

• Obligations cover mines and battery plants for the first time
• Rules target significant benefits for the environment and citizens' health
• Better access to information about polluting activities in the area of ​​residence

Parliament adopted its position to negotiate with the Council on new rules to reduce pollution and include large agro-industrial installations in the ecological transition.

The European Parliament's position on the directive on industrial emissions (DEI) and the directive on the disposal of waste in landfills was approved, this Tuesday, in plenary, by 396 votes in favour, 102 against and 131 abstentions. On the regulation relating to the Industrial Emissions Portal , MEPs passed their negotiating mandate by 563 votes in favour, 51 votes against and 18 abstentions.

Industries and farms covered by the new rules
MEPs supported the Commission's proposal to extend the DEI to extractive industry installations (mines) and large battery factories (except those that exclusively assemble battery modules and battery packs). The directive mandates further reductions in air, water and soil pollution.

With regard to livestock farms, MEPs voted in favor of maintaining the current rules and including pig farms with more than 2000 places for production pigs (over 30 kg) or with more than 750 places for sows. Poultry farms with more than 40000 places for poultry, as well as farms with more than 750 normal heads. Parliament does not intend to extend it to livestock holdings, as proposed by the Commission.

MEPs proposed excluding "extensive farming" - with a maximum of two normal heads per hectare used for grazing or fodder - as well as farming practices where livestock is subject to transhumance practices at least 180 days a year. Initially, the Commission proposed a threshold of 150 normal head for all animals. MEPs also underline the importance of ensuring that non-EU producers comply with EU-like requirements.

Transparency and public participation
MEPs also voted in favor of increasing transparency and public participation with regard to the licensing, operation and control of regulated installations. The European Register of Pollutant Emissions and Transfers will be transformed into an EU Industrial Emissions Portal, where citizens can access data on all EU permits and local pollution activities.

Quote
After the vote, rapporteur Radan Kanev (EPP, Bulgaria), said: “Better protection of the environment does not have to lead to more bureaucracy. Innovation is key to achieving zero pollution, and for that we need a more competitive European industrial sector. EU policy must be realistic, economically viable and not threaten competitiveness. Our position provides space for companies, giving them reasonable transition periods to prepare for new requirements, accelerated licensing procedures and flexibility to develop emerging techniques.”

next steps
Parliament is now ready to enter into negotiations with the Council on the final form of legislation.

Context
The Industrial Emissions Directive lays down rules on the prevention and control of pollution caused by emissions from large agro-industrial farms into the air, water and soil, which can cause health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and cancer , with hundreds of thousands of premature deaths every year in the EU. The directive forms part of European industry's green and circular transformation plan, which will have significant health and environmental benefits for citizens.

This legislation is responding to citizens' recommendations regarding the polluter pays principle and accelerating the ecological transition and promoting greener production processes, as expressed in proposals 2.2, 3.1, 11.1 and 12.5 of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future from Europe .