Air quality at risk: Brexit and lobbying from member states could stall progress on reducing pollution

Air pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths across Europe each year and the European Union has a key role in addressing the problem. Roy M. Harrison states that although much progress has been made in improving air quality, lobbying from member states has led to a notable weakening of the resolve of the European Commission to propose a real tightening of emissions ceilings. It also remains to be seen how Brexit will affect Britain’s air quality given the EU has been a major driver of action in the UK.

• Primary Source

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/

United Kingdom: House of Lords: Select Committee on the European Union, 12th Report (Session 2016-17)HL109: Brexit: environment and climate change http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-environment-and-climate-change/

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