The UK government is facing calls to revise parts of the draft revised National Networks National Policy Statement (NNNPS) that determines the compatibility of large new projects with net zero laws. The recommendation comes from the Transport Committee, which recently conducted an inquiry into the matter.
In March, an updated NNNPS reflecting measures in the Environment Act 2021 was released for consultation. Following this, the cross-party Transport Committee initiated an inquiry to examine its implications. The NNNPS, last published in 2015, guides decisions concerning Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP).
The committee highlights that the government's aim to revise the NNNPS and avoid legal challenges delaying projects needs careful consideration. However, it warns that the current draft NNNPS does not provide the necessary clarity. The committee, along with the National Infrastructure Planning Association and Transport Action Network, suggests that the NNNPS should be reviewed every five years, aligning with the commitment reiterated by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).
The committee's report emphasises that the draft NNNPS overlooks the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation, stating that new road projects should meaningfully support net zero goals. It urges the government to review the roads program in light of these recommendations.
Transport committee chair Iain Stewart MP stressed the importance of amending the draft NNNPS to balance net zero goals with infrastructure projects. He called for a clear definition of "residual" emissions and transparent evidence behind the government's forecasts regarding congestion.
