European Union (EU) air pollution legislation was rejected by the members of the European Parliament (MEPs) amid wrangles about the final shape of the legislation which will introduce much tougher emission limits on power plants. However officials expect the legislation to be approved when it is presented again. Should it be rejected this time, the legislation will fall.
The legislation covers emissions from large combustion plant of three pollutants, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust. A separate law fixes individual standards in each member country for allowable emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and ammonia.
The main area of disagreement has centred on older power stations used for peaking power. An amendment allowing them exemptions benefits the UK, Spain, Portugal and Finland. While some MEPs don’t like these concessions, the legislation is likely to be approved because the Green members will not want to see the law fail.
