According to an IEMA article, the EEF have reported that manufacturers are concerned about the cost and disruption of replacing EU environmental legislation when the UK leaves the EU.
The trade organisation carried out a survey on its members to identify their priorities for negotiating a trade deal with the EU. The results showed that environmental Regulations and Directives are so deeply embedded in business, that full implementation into UK law is the only practical short-term option.
Just a quarter of firms responding did want the UK to continue to comply with EU waste legislation (such as WEEE and the Waste Framework Directive). The REACH chemicals legislation regime was widely supported, with just 23% wanting it scrapped. This despite it being considered one of the most burdensome Regulations.
With regard to air quality, the UK has made considerable reductions under the Industrial Emissions Directive, with manufacturers making substantial investments. The EEF wants such manufacturers to remain aligned with their EU counterparts in tackling industrial emissions, otherwise the sizable investment already made in achieving targets will be undermined.
Claire Jackobsson, head of energy and environment policy at EEF claims one of the biggest dangers of a hasty Brexit surrounds EU legislation, most of which have supported environmental improvements. She said: "A mass repeal would be costly and disruptive, and would seriously undermine investment. It is vital that Britain remains forward-thinking and innovative and does not see its environmental ambitions and responsibilities diminished after it leaves the EU."
Editor's note:
IEMA is the professional home of over 15,000 environment and sustainability professionals from around the globe. IEMA's role is to support individuals and organisations to set, recognise and achieve global sustainability standards and practice. To find out more, visit iema.net.
