The scope and effects of UK and EU law related to the environment

The enviroment is generally considerded to involve issues to do with air, water and land. The main regulatory bodies charged with responsibility for protection of the enviroment are the Enviroment Agency and Local Authorities. Enviromental laws cover a huge range of issues, from those that are local, such as noise control, to those that are global issues, such as climate change control. The EU has some of the highest enviromental standards in the world. Its main priorities include: combating climate change, preserving biodiversity and using natural resources sustainably

UK legislation related to enviromental protection includes: 

• Enviromental Protection act, 1990: this was introduced to prevent pollution from emissions
• Enviromental Act 1995: this act set up the Enviromental Agency and also required the secretary of state to prepare a national air and national waste strategy.
• The Waste and Emissions Trading Act, 2003: this makes provisions about waste & penalities for non-compliance 
• Climate Change Act, 2008: this aims to imrpove carbon management and help the transition towards a low-carbon economy in the UK It also aims to demonstrate strong UK leadership internationally. 
• Energy Act, 2013: makes provision for reforming the electricity market & encouraging low carbon electricity generation 

Examples of the impact of changes in the legal enviroment on business and on strategic and functional decision making: 

• …