ENVIRONMENT ACT PASSED IN BRITAIN; DETAILS DUE LATER

The British government has passed its Environment Act 1995, which implements proposals unveiled earlier this year to improve air quality. Although the act eventually will target airborne levels of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants, details of the plan have yet to emerge. The U.K. Department of Environment said after the act was passed July 19 the environment secretary will publish later this year a national strategy to include standards and a

July 31, 1995

The British government has passed its Environment Act 1995, which implements proposals unveiled earlier this year to improve air quality.

Although the act eventually will target airborne levels of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants, details of the plan have yet to emerge.

The U.K. Department of Environment said after the act was passed July 19 the environment secretary will publish later this year a national strategy to include standards and a timetable for their achievement.

The department has given itself until yearend to prepare a draft strategy.

A U.K. Petroleum Industry Association official said the oil industry had not been asked to provide facts and figures toward drafting the strategy.

Proposals announced in January included one that implementation of the air monitoring program would be left to local authorities. This was a concern for industry (OGJ, Jan. 30, p. 40).