Environment Agency chief calls for modernisation as 2019 regulation data published

Environment Agency chief executive, Sir James Bevan, has repeated his call for “better regulation, not deregulation” outside Europe last week as the Environment Agency published a report on its 2019 activities.

Sir James (pictured) said a modern approach to regulation is needed, to allow companies to thrive while protecting nature and communities from the effects of the climate change and other risks such as new technologies. He elaborated: “We must avoid false choices. Better regulation isn’t code for deregulation. The test for any changes in legislation must be that they will deliver better environmental outcomes as well as being good for the economy.

“Good regulation isn’t complicated, bureaucratic, and costly; it is simple, impactful, and money-saving. The best regulation will stop environmental damage at the source, rather than the costly impact to the public purse and the environment of responding to damage after the event.

“We also need the right resources, funded by operators and by Government, to deliver the high ambitions we all have in enhancing our environment. Ultimately we will get the environment we are prepared to pay for.”

The report, Regulating for people, environment and growth presented data from regulatory activities in 2019. The Agency said it “shows many improving trends in environmental compliance, pollution incidents, crime, and emissions”.

On water, it noted bathing water standards remained high, with 98% passing quality standards for the fourth year in a row. But also pointed to 86% of river water bodies not reaching good ecological status. It said agricultural and rural land management practices were responsible for about 40% of water body failures.