The goal of the agreements is to reduce environmental damage caused by industrial emissions. It is now agreed, among other things, that livestock farms with more than 700 pigs, more than 22,000 laying hens, or more than 40,000 broilers must comply with European regulations.
In the Netherlands, greenhouse gas emissions slightly decreased last year but increased in agriculture. Agriculture in the Netherlands contributes about 17% of total greenhouse gas emissions (excluding land use); industry accounts for 32%. The main cause of the increased agricultural emissions comes from combined heat and power installations in greenhouse horticulture based on natural gas.
For industry, the most stringent achievable emission levels will be established. From now on, the most effective techniques must be used there. The new regulation will also apply to mines and large battery manufacturing plants. To counteract water shortages, environmental permits will also require criteria for water use.
The entire process related to the new rules will be more open to the public. There will be a public registry for the emissions and transport of pollutants. Citizens will be able to access all permits and local polluting activities.
Companies and livestock farmers who do not comply with the rules can face fines of at least three percent of their annual EU turnover. Citizens must also have the right to demand compensation for damage to their health. The principle remains that the polluter ultimately pays.
Member of the European Parliament Mohammed Chahim (PvdA, S&D) says that with this regulation, an important part of the Green Deal has been adopted. According to him, not only the environment benefits from this, but also public health.
Anja Hazekamp (PvdD) considers the regulation disappointing. “The new European rules contain only slight improvements compared to the current law. Small steps are not enough to truly tackle major polluters like the livestock industry and Tata Steel.” The Parliament rejected her proposal for a total ban on building new mega farms.