Of all the EU regulations to shape UK policies, environmental directives have been some of the most controversial. Three of the most significant are those on green energy, recycling and air quality – all of which pose a challenge for the UK. What might Brexit mean for the UK in these policy areas? 1. Green energy. What EU green energy targets does the UK have to meet? It’s the bete noire of anti-wind farm campaigners: the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The directive requires the UK to generate 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 – up from just three per cent when the directive was adopted in 2009. That’s not just electricity but also energy used in heating and transport. To hit the overall binding target, the UK is expected to need to generate 30 per cent of its electricity a nd 12 per cent of its heating energy from renewable sources. It is also bound by a sub-target for transport, requiring 10 per cent to come from renewable sources.
Telegraph 13th June 2016 read more »
Craig Bennett: Climate has barely been mentioned during the EU campaign. But there will be grim tangible consequences for our air, sea and wildlife if we vote to exit. It is perhaps the one area where the evidence is close to being unequivocal: the EU has benefited the UK’s nature and environment, and leaving poses a significant risk. Yet analysis by Loughborough University found that as a proportion of issues dominating the referendum coverage, the environment has received 0% of coverage from television, and 1.7% in the press.
Guardian 13th June 2016 read more »
In April 2014, Governor Cuomo of New York kicked off the New York Reforming the Energy Vision (NY REV). This encompasses multiple dimensions of regulated administrated programs, regulatory reform and new institutions – all of which work together to create an enabling environment for a transition to a sustainable energy future for New York State (NYS). The administered programs include support for renewable energy (including solar in particular), for energy efficiency, for vulnerable customers and energy affordability, for electric vehicles and so on. The new institutions includes a Green Investment Bank.
IGov 13th June 2016 read more »