The Government has today announced a new Clean Air Strategy designed to cut air pollution, save lives and leave our environment in a better state than we found it. It includes plans for primary legislation to create a new legal air quality framework and give local government new powers to take decisive action to cut air pollution.
The strategy focuses primarily on particulate matter, which affects breathing. The biggest contributor to this is the domestic burning of wood and coal which contributes 38% of UK emissions.
Local MP and Defra Minister, Therese Coffey said: "I'm pleased that my department has today launched our Clean Air Strategy designed to dramatically cut air pollution and improve people's health."
Therese added: "It is important that we do all we can to reduce the use of smokey coal and wet wood, which causes damaging particulate matter but keep smokeless coal and dry, seasoned wood. As a result, we will legislate to ensure only the cleanest domestic fuels and stoves will be available for sale."
The strategy will also focus on reducing ammonia from farming – which is responsible for 88% of ammonia emissions – by requiring farmers to invest in the infrastructure and equipment that will reduce emissions. Farmers will be supported to achieve this through the new system of public money for public goods.
The new strategy, which is now out for consultation, is a key part of our 25 Year Plan to leave our environment in a better state than we found it.
