EAC to hear from the OEP on how to keep the window of opportunity from closing to redress environmental harms
Last month, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) warned that the “window of opportunity to redress environmental harms is closing” with the Government failing to meet a number of targets and commitments on the environment in England.
The Environmental Audit Committee will discuss its ‘Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2023-24’ report with the OEP’s Chair and Chief Executive to learn what the Government should be prioritising to turn the page on making lasting environmental improvements. The OEP’s findings and recommendations are significant pointers to Government on the steps needed to meet its targets and to honour the pledge to protect 30% of England’s land and seas by 2030.
In the one-off evidence session, members are also expected to explore the OEP’s enforcement functions. This comes in the wake of the recent decision notice issued to Defra and water regulators in respect of combined sewer overflows, and the recently launched investigation into meeting statutory deadlines for improving the marine environment.