Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels – New EU rules aimed at reducing emissions from farms and large industrial plants came into force on Sunday, according to the European Commission, giving member states two years to update their national laws.
The law – which includes metal mining plants and battery manufacturers, as well as pig and poultry farms – is expected to reduce key air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxide by up to 40% by 2050.
Operations such as particularly large pig and poultry farms were already subject to the regulations, but the existing rules will be extended, according to the European Union’s executive.
Delayed application
However, the requirements do not apply immediately. Industrial companies will have four years from 2028 to apply the latest available technologies, the commission said. For farmers, the rules will apply from 2030.
Violations can result in fines of at least 3% of annual turnover in the worst case, according to the commission. Authorities will also be given more power to temporarily shut down plants that do not comply with the regulations.
Proposal watered down
The commission had originally pushed for stricter rules, given that power generation, waste incineration and intensive livestock farming are responsible for harmful substances in the air, water and soil.
Pollution caused by substances such as nitrogen oxide, particulates, mercury and other heavy metals can trigger diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and cancer.
The original draft law, presented in April 2022, was watered down during negotiations with the European Parliament and member states.
Originally, significantly more agricultural businesses were to be regulated by the directive, as they were identified by the commission as being responsible for high ammonia and methane emissions.
This went too far for the parliament in particular. Consequently, cattle farming will remain exempt from the rules. (August 4)
The editorial responsibility for the publication lies with dpa.