Updates

Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024

  • Legal

Jurisdiction: Wales

Commencement: 14th February 2024

Amends: New Legislation

Mini Summary

Welsh Ministers may set and publish information on long-term targets in respect of any matter relating to air quality and soundscapes in Wales; there are also duties for local authorities but no duties for businesses.

 

Summary

The Welsh Ministers may set long-term emissions targets in respect of pollutants, including;

  • ammonia;
  • PM10*;
  • ground level ozone;
  • nitrogen dioxide;
  • carbon monoxide; and
  • sulphur dioxide.

* PM10 are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. Such particles are small enough to pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs.

The Welsh Ministers must set at least one target (a “PM2.5 air quality target”) to reach an annual mean level of PM2.5 * in ambient air in Wales.

* PM 2.5 are particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.

Ministers must regularly monitor and review emissions targets to ensure they are on track to be met.

Promoting awareness about air pollution

The Welsh Ministers must take steps to promote awareness in Wales of:

  • the risks to human health and the natural environment caused by air pollution; and
  • ways of reducing or limiting air pollution.

Soundscapes

The Welsh Ministers must prepare and publish a strategy containing their policies regarding the assessment, management and design of soundscapes* in Wales.

This strategy must be reviewed every 5 years.

*A soundscape is the sound environment as perceived or experienced by people.

 

Duties

Various duties apply and are available to view in the Legislation Update Service.

 

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