- New EU pollutant rules for industry and farmers in force
The new EU pollution directive for industry and agriculture has come into effect. The revised regulations aim to reduce emissions from large industrial facilities and pig and poultry farms, as announced by the European Commission. EU member states now have two years to adapt their national laws to the directive.
The Brussels authority expects that, by 2050, emissions of pollutants such as fine dust, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxide could be reduced by up to 40 percent. Businesses, including large-scale pig and poultry farms, were already affected by the regulations - but the Commission says the existing rules are being expanded.
Not all rules apply immediately
Mining operations and battery production facilities are also subject to the new rules, but they do not apply immediately. Industrial companies have until 2028 to implement the latest available technologies, according to the EU Commission. For farmers, the rules will apply from 2030 onwards.
Violations could result in fines of at least three percent of annual turnover, the Commission said. Authorities will also have more powers to temporarily shut down facilities that do not comply with the regulations.
Commission pushes for stricter rules
The Commission had initially advocated for stricter rules, as power generation, waste incineration, and intensive livestock farming are responsible for harmful substances in the air, water, and soil. Pollution caused by pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, fine dust, mercury, and other heavy metals can lead to diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and cancer.
In April 2022, the authority presented a draft law that was adjusted in negotiations with the Parliament and EU states. Initially, many more agricultural businesses were to be regulated by the directive, as the Commission said they are responsible for much of the ammonia and methane emissions. This went too far for the Parliament, so cattle farming will continue to be exempt from the rules.
Other animals, such as wild birds and small mammals, could also benefit from the reduced emissions resulting from the new EU pollution directive. The stricter regulations are aimed at reducing pollutants that contribute to diseases like asthma and cancer in various species, not just humans.
