Summary of 2008 News  New Environmental Permits will cut red tape, save money, and put a spotlight on high risk businesses New Environmental Permitting Regulations come into force this weekend in England and Wales, reducing red tape whilst protecting the environment and human health. Environmental permits are required for industrial and waste activities which could harm human health or the environment unless they are controlled. The new system means businesses will find it simpler and less costly to be environmentally responsible. Part of a joint Defra, Environment Agency and Welsh Assembly Government initiative, the Regulations which become effective on 6 April streamline and integrate Waste Management Licensing (WML) and Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) into one single regulatory system, replacing over 40 separate sets of regulations. PPS4 consultation released Consultation has started on Planning policy statement 4: Planning for sustainable economic development. View the consultation HERE Euro VI limits set The Commission has reaffirmed that it intends to cut emissions from trucks and buses of NOx by 80% and particulate matter by 66% compared to the Euro V stage. Euro VI comes into force in 2013/14 and matches US 2010 standards. View the details HERE