NEWS & EVENTS : GENERAL INFORMATION
Commission launches consultation on improving EU air quality policy
07.29.2011
Air pollution is one of the main environmental worries facing EU citizens, with up to 49% of Europeans living in areas where EU air quality objectives are still not met. As part of a comprehensive review of Europe's air policies intended to set new long-term objectives beyond 2020, the European Commission is launching a public consultation on its current policy in this area.
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EU air policy has a long history and is one of the success stories of environmental policy. According to the European Environment Agency's (EEA) State of the Environment Report emissions from all relevant air pollutants have decreased over the past 20 years. Emissions from certain pollutants have decreased significantly, with lead emissions for example being reduced by approximately 90%. EU legislation on industrial emissions, vehicle emissions and fuel quality has played a major part in this.
For the next twelve weeks, views are being sought on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing legislative framework and progress on its implementation. This web-based consultation is part of a broader process of reflection that will feed into a review due no later than 2013.
The public consultation invites all interested parties to share their views on the best way to improve the EU's air quality legislation. It is divided into two parts – a short questionnaire for the general public and a longer section for experts and practitioners from national administrations, regional or local authorities, researchers, businesses, stakeholders, health, environmental and other groups involved in the implementation of EU air quality legislation.
The Commission will continue its preparatory work and carry out another round of public consultations before presenting ideas on the future of EU air policy by 2013 at the latest.
Further information:
The consultation can be filled in at:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations_en.htm
