In November 2010 we reported on the establishment of an enlarged Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA Bill has now become law and the Authority is intended to assume some of its environmental regulatory functions from 1 July 2011. This issue provides an update and summary of the EPA's functions.
The National Environmental Standard for Air Quality was introduced on 8 October 2004 becoming the first set of National Environmental Standards to take effect. However following concerns expressed at the 2009 Jobs Summit that the Standards could impact on New Zealand's industry and employment, the government sought a review.
The National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011 (NPS) was announced recently and will take effect from 13 May 2011. The NPS directs consent authorities to recognise renewable electricity generation activities as a matter of national significance, and is intended to assist the Government to meet its target for renewable electricity generation. Given its scope, the NPS will lead to the amendment of a number of planning documents around the country.
The Tasman District Council might be reflecting upon the perils of best laid schemes following a recent Environment Court decision on an application for enforcement orders.
The stabilisation of coastal environments is such a tricky proposition that some think it should never be attempted, and the coastal form left to nature to determine. But local authorities quite frequently endeavour to stabilise or improve coastal amenities by building structures on the foreshore or seabed.
Following consideration by the Maori Affairs Select Committee the Coastal Marine Area (Takutai Moana) Bill (Bill) has been returned to Parliament and is predicted to become legislation by the end of next month. A large number of submissions were received by the Committee on what was naturally a contentious piece of legislation attracting a high level of public scrutiny. However, it was the Select Committee's recommendation that the Bill be passed without amendment.
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