This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Environmental Assessment Bill
09/11/2005
The Scottish Parliament today passed by 98 votes to 12 the Executive's Environmental Assessment Bill which requires all public strategies, plans and programmes to be subject to environmental assessment.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"This legislation is good for people, good for places and good for development.
"It extends environmental assessment to all public plans and strategies. It will help to raise our awareness of the impacts of our public plans on the environment from habitats, culture and landscape to human health and climate change and help to improve the plans we deliver.
"It will protect and enhance the quality of life of communities right across Scotland and, by informing public decision making, it underpins Sustainable Development, helping to balance the needs of people, the environment and development now and for future generations."
Fred Edwards, President of Scottish Environment Link, said:
"In delivering this legislation the Executive and Parliament have taken the welcome decision to step beyond the requirements of a European Directive and deliver a key tool into the hands of decision-makers. If used effectively, Strategic Environmental Assessment has the potential to radically improve the environment of Scotland and the lives of its citizens. We warmly welcome this bill and will work closely with public bodies to ensure it is applied effectively."
Hugh Raven, SDC Commissioner for Scotland, added:
"The Commission warmly welcomes the completion of Stage 3 of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Bill. This pioneering legislation will lead to a proper balance between socio-economic and environmental factors in public sector decision making. We very much hope this will deliver a truly sustainable Scotland."