PRESS RELEASE

Commission delays once more critical air pollution legislation
Environmental and health citizens groups call for immediate action

Brussels [14 July 2008] - The National Emissions Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive), which was expected to undergo revision in 2008, has been put on hold for an undetermined period by the European Commission. EEB - Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' organisations - and the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) have jointly written to the Commission asking that it publish its proposal, which has already been finalised in the formal inter-consultation service. The Directive revision has been delayed several times already, as it was originally scheduled for presentation in 2005.

"The citizens of Europe have waited long enough to stop suffering from respiratory diseases linked to bad air," said John Hontelez, EEB Secretary General. "We want to see immediate action by the Commission to restart the NEC Directive revision process and improve the quality of our air."

The Directive regulating emission levels for the four main air pollutants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), is one of the pillars of the Community's air pollution control legislation and plays a vital role in achieving the goals of the Sixth Environmental Programme on environment and health protection. The revision would determine the much-needed new interim air quality targets and related new national emissions ceilings to be achieved by Member States by 2020.

Genon Jensen, Executive Director of HEAL, said, "The NEC Directive is not just about protecting health, it is about ensuring a healthy environment for those most vulnerable. It will be our children, those suffering from asthma and the elderly who will be hurt the most from any further delays and lack of ambition."

In a joint letter sent today to chief Commission executives, EEB and HEAL reminded the Commission that the European Parliament has also recently called on the Commission "to present a proposal for a revised National Emission Ceilings Directive as soon as possible". To support Parliament's position, the organisations highlight that current national emissions ceilings are not sufficient to meet even interim environmental and health objectives for 2010. Furthermore, delays create uncertainty for market investment in air pollution and climate change control and a knock-on delaying effect on other EU and international air quality legislation. Finally, accepting yet another postponement would set a dangerous precedent where it becomes a tactic for Member States wanting to evade controls as long as possible.

"The Commission is acting irresponsibly if it thinks it can put protection of human health and the environment on hold," John Hontelez added.

EEB and HEAL urge the Commission to reactivate the revision process of the NEC Directive before summer break, in line with the demands of the European Parliament, some Member States including Sweden and the Netherlands and the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies.

For further information please contact:-
Dragomira Raeva, Air Pollution Policy Officer, EEB, dragomira.raeva@eeb.org, Tel.: +32 (2) 289 1307
Christian Farrar-Hockley, Senior Policy Advisor, Health & Environment Alliance, Tel.: +32 486 807 959
Vanessa Bulkacz, Press & Publications Officer, EEB, press@eeb.org, Tel: +32 (2) 289 1309