Nature and nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal (VVD) does not expect that nitrogen policy will have to be completely overhauled, now that the court in Zwolle has ruled that the policy of tolerance for small emitters to date is contrary to the law. She has confidence in the approach agreed in the coalition agreement.
In four lawsuits, the judge has reprimanded the province of Overijssel for not enforcing a number of biomass installations for which no nature permit has been issued. The provincial government must better substantiate this decision and show that not only the interests of business, but also the interests of nature are taken into account.
Biomass installations
The previous government promised these entrepreneurs that their activities would still be legalized and that space would be made available for this through general measures to reduce nitrogen emissions. This must be arranged by 2025 at the latest. Until then, the central government does not have to enforce regulations.
Van der Wal points out that this week's statements are all specifically about biomass installations. The judge is not convinced that there really is Van der Wal points out that this week's rulings are all specifically about biomass installations. The judge is not convinced that there is a real prospect of the promised legalization and the nature improvement that is required for this. The province must provide better substantiation for this and 'we will help with that,' she says.
According to the minister, the coalition agreement, which contains concrete plans for nitrogen reduction, creates a "new reality". She also points out that the first companies under the tolerance policy have already been legalized. “The judge wants us to show it. We are really working on that at this point.”
Image: Martijn Beekman
Source: nieuwoogst.nl
