Government's Environment Act becomes law

New legislation that will improve air quality and protect the environment has passed into UK law.

The Act seeks to clean up the country’s air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use of our resources.

The Environment Act will deliver long-term targets to improve air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction and resource efficiency.

There will be a target on ambient PM2.5 concentrations, the most harmful pollutant to human health and the act will require Local Authorities to tackle air quality, as well as simplify enforcement within smoke control areas.