Individuals or companies in the UK polluting the environment will soon face fines exceeding £250,000 (nearly $324,748). This is due to the new provisions in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 act that allows unlimited fines to be imposed as a civil penalty for any offenses committed.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), these penalties will be determined based on the level of pollution, degree of responsibility, and harm caused and the size and financial capability of the offending company, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Ensuring polluters are to be held accountable with quicker and more stringent measures
The Minister for Environmental Quality, Rebecca Pow, has announced lifting caps on sanctions to strengthen enforcement tools and expand regulator reach. This action ensures appropriate punishment for operators who violate their permits and cause harm to oceans, rivers, and habitats. The move aligns with the government's Plan for Water and demonstrates swift action toward holding polluters accountable. The new powers will make it easier to enforce penalties, and the most severe cases will still go to court. The Environment Agency Chair, Alan Lovell, believes this will serve as a deterrent, leading to greater compliance, less pollution, and a safer, more prosperous natural world.
Parliament has been presented with a proposal for unlimited fines
The Environment Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has emphasized the importance of holding polluters accountable by removing the cap on civil penalties and expanding their range to include various offenses. This includes violations of storm overflow permits and reckless disposal of hazardous waste. The government's efforts to protect the environment, including tackling pollution and safeguarding ecosystems, are further strengthened with this action.
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