The ENVE Commission of the EU Committee of the Regions today
passed an opinion on the Environmental Implementation Review recommending new
policy areas be added on chemicals, industrial emissions and action on climate
change. The Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) is a tool to improve
implementation of EU environmental law and policy. It aims to address the
causes of implementation gaps and try to find solutions before problems become
urgent.
Councillor Andrew Cooper, Rapporteur on the Environmental
Implementation Review for the EU Committee of the Regions said
“ I’m delighted that the Opinion was passed with no COR
members opposing it on the final vote. I am particularly pleased that the concept
of Locally Determined Contributions (LDCs) and Regionally Determined
Contributions (RDCs) has been accepted by the ENVE Commission in this Opinion.”
The Opinion requested that ‘the European Commission to work
with relevant national authorities, the European Committee of the Regions, the
EU Covenant of Mayors, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and ICLEI to
develop the concept and methodologies for introducing Local and Regionally
Determined Contributions, thereby contributing towards Climate Change targets
agreed under the COP21 Paris Climate Agreement.’
LDCs and RDCs are a way of filling the emissions reduction
gap that needs to be bridged if we are to achieve the targets set in Paris at
COP21 of limiting global temperature rises to no more than 1.5% degrees above
pre industrial levels. These LDCs and RDCs would form the basis of targets and
delivery plans for Local and Regional Governments to lead on the reduction of
emissions in their own areas.
“What is really exciting about the ENVE Commission passing
this Opinion is that it could form the basis for a template for reporting local
and regional action across the globe giving the opportunity for partnerships
with organisations like the US Conference of Mayors who are opposing President
Trump’s decision to pull out of the obligations of the COP21 Paris Climate
Agreement” said Councillor Cooper
The Opinion, as passed at the ENVE Committee, now goes on to
a meeting of the Plenary meeting in October where it will be considered by all
members of the Committee of the Regions.
