EU Environment Commission includes intensive farming in its latest report on emissions

The Environment Commission of the European Parliament has recently disavowed the Agriculture Commission's previous vote against the directive on industrial emissions. As a result, cattle holdings with over 300 animals and pig and poultry holdings with over 200 animals are now included in the directive. The mixed farms limit is 250, while extensive farms are excluded.

Initially, the Commission had proposed a threshold of 150 livestock units per farm. During the vote, MEPs emphasized ensuring that manufacturers outside the EU meet similar requirements as European standards. They also voted to increase transparency, public participation, and access to justice regarding regulated facilities' licensing, operation, and oversight.

To promote transparency, the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register will be transformed into an EU Industrial Emissions Portal where citizens can access data on all EU permits and local polluting activities.

The report on the industrial emission directive and the directive on landfill waste was adopted by MEPs with 55 votes in favor, 26 against, and six abstentions. The regulation on the Industrial Emissions Portal was adopted with 78 votes in favor, three against, and five abstentions.

Parliament is expected to adopt its mandate during the July 2023 plenary session, after which negotiations with the Council on the final legislation can begin. The current EU rules on industrial emissions cover over 30,000 large industrial plants and over 20,000 intensive livestock farms responsible for harmful substance emissions to air, water, and soil.