Wales passes environmental protections bill

The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill has passed through the Senedd.

The Bill establishes a new framework for environmental protection, creating an independent watchdog and empowering Welsh Ministers to set legally binding biodiversity targets.

Through the new legislation, an independent body responsible for holding public authorities to account on environmental law will be set up - the Office of Environmental Governance Wales.

This body will scrutinising the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and local authorities.

The new law will also enable and require Ministers to set ambitious, legally binding targets to halt and reverse biodiversity decline by increasing native species, strengthening ecosystem resilience and addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss. 

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: "This is a landmark moment for nature in Wales. By passing this Bill, we have sent a clear message that protecting our natural environment is a national priority. 

"As this winter has shown, climate change is driving more extreme weather events – putting pressure on our environment and biodiversity. 

"With one in five species at risk of extinction and communities across Wales already feeling the effects of more frequent floods, heatwaves and wildfires, this legislation gives us the tools we need to act decisively."