Implementation of SEA Directive slipping behind schedule

摘要

Three consultations on proposals to implement the 2001 EU Directive on environmental assessment of plans and programmes have been launched in recent weeks. But only Scotland appears to be on course to transpose the Directive in time - while implementation in England seems set to take a highly centralised form. The legislation is known as the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) Directive (ENDS Report 317, pp 40-41). It must be transposed into national law by 21 July. The implementation process will be complex, with separate legislation in the four constituent parts of the UK along with some cross-border measures. Matters will be further complicated by the Scottish Executive's plan to implement the Directive by regulations this summer, but subsequently to revoke them by primary legislation which will extend the scope of SEA.