This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Assessment will give greater protection to environment
16/06/2005
Key environmental agencies Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Historic Scotland are to be consulted on all public sector strategies, plans and programmes which impact significantly on the environment.
Speaking at the Stage One debate for the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Bill, Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"These proposals put Scotland ahead of the rest of Europe in the protection we afford the environment. This Bill puts consideration of environmental impacts of major public plans at the start of the process making environmental protection a priority in decision making.
"By giving SEPA, SNH and Historic Scotland the opportunity to comment on these plans at an early stage, we will ensure that environmental impacts are fully understood before introduction.
"In addition, by giving the public an opportunity to comment we are ensuring that communities throughout Scotland can influence major public plans which will impact on them.
"This groundbreaking Bill will ensure that environmental protection, public participation and sustainable development are at the heart of public policy making."