Future environmental legislation

This section provides guidance on the key environmental legislation that is being developed for each region in the UK. This should make it easier for businesses to prepare for the introduction of new legislation.

Future English environmental legislation
Future Northern Ireland environmental legislation
Future Scottish environmental legislation
Future Welsh environmental legislation

NetRegs provides details of key legislation developments at three levels:

  • European Union Directives and Regulations on which much UK environmental law is based.
  • Draft UK legislation passed by parliament (central or devolved).
  • Consultation papers – the UK legislation process often starts with the issue of a consultation paper (by the government or the environment agencies). The paper explains the proposed legislation, summarises EU legal provisions and gives the public and others an opportunity to comment on the proposal. Even when the opportunity to comment has passed, closed consultations often provide a useful indication of the shape legislation is likely to take.

If you would like to find out what legislation might currently affect your business please see our current legislation lists.

Current environmental legislation

If you cannot find what you were looking for, please note future legislation that has now come into force has been incorporated into guidance by environmental topic.