Air quality: new stricter limits for pollutant emissions

On 8 December 2016 the Council adopted a new directive to reduce air pollution. The new rules set stricter national limits for the emission of some of the most dangerous air pollutants.

The aim is to reduce the health risks and environmental impact of air pollution. With this directive, the number of premature deaths due to air pollution in the EU is estimated to be cut by about 50% in 2030 (compared to 2005).

The directive also aligns EU law with international commitments (following the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol in 2012).

The proposal was originally released by the Commission in December 2013 as part of its 'Air quality package'. The informal agreement between the EU institutions was reached in June 2016. The European Parliament voted on the draft proposal in November 2016.

• Prif ffynhonnell

ESO: Background information: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 8 December 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/employment-social-policy-health-and-consumer-affairs-council-8-december-2016/

ESO: Background information: EU approves new rules for Member States to drastically cut air pollution http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-approves-new-rules-for-member-states-to-drastically-cut-air-pollution/

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