EU approves new rules for Member States to drastically cut air pollution

On 14 December 2016, the European Commission announced that the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union had approved the new National Emissions Ceilings (NEC) Directive, based on a Commission proposal that set stricter limits on the five main pollutants in Europe, namely sulphur dioxide, ammonia, volatile organice compounds, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter.

The Directive was aimed at decreasing by almost 50% the negative health impacts of air pollution, such as respiratory diseases and premature death, by 2030.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Air quality: new stricter limits for pollutant emissions http://www.europeansources.info/record/air-quality-new-stricter-limits-for-pollutant-emissions/

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/16/4372, 14.12.16: EU approves new rules for Member States to drastically cut air pollution http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-4372_en.htm

---