Environmental regulation and enforcement

Description:

In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, environmental regulation and enforcement have fast become cornerstones of our national and European economic foundations. Whether in Dublin, Brussels or beyond, legislation, regulation and guidance on any business activity affecting our environment continues to be developed at an aggressive pace. Ibec’s Environment Policy Committee (EPC) and its Regulatory Affairs Working Group are positioned well ahead of this curve pursuing a balanced, straightforward and transparent environmental regulatory framework and promoting business innovation in addressing environmental issues. Members contribute to a number of initiatives at national level through the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government as well as at European level through its affiliation with BUSINESSEUROPE.

Implication(s):

Hundreds of Ibec members provide goods or services subject to some form of direct environmental regulation. Numerous others must consider indirectly the effect of environmental regulation once their goods or services go to market. As with all environmental regulation, rules affecting design and production, or concerning licensing, permitting or assessing environmental impact and liability are subject to constant revision at European and national level. Guidance from regulatory authorities intended to help companies operate under these rules also sees continual revision, not only in terms of how it is drafted but often in terms of how it is brought to bear by enforcement agents.

Current Position:

Ibec supports the development of balanced environment policy and regulation at national and EU level, particularly via consistent cooperation between regulators and industry in a manner which is timely and transparent and which seeks to maximise the efficiency of regulatory resources. The EPC and the Regulatory Affairs Working Group carefully follow developments in the Irish Environmental Protection Agency’s licensing and enforcement activities, as well as those at Local Authority level. Domestic activity complements the Group’s European focus, particularly in the areas of the EU’s Environment Action Programmes, licensing under IED and IPC, environmental impact, sustainability, chemicals regulation, and guidance such as those under BAT/BREF.

Download documents:

EPA Organisational Structure 2013.pptx - 358 Kbytes

Contact:

Órla Casey
Phone: +353 1 605 1526
Email: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie

Last Updated: 08/23/2013