New EU emissions rules for industry and farmers come into force

New EU rules aimed at reducing emissions from farms and large industrial plants came into force on Sunday, the European Commission said, giving member states two years to update their national rules.

The law – which covers mining and battery manufacturers, as well as pig and poultry farms – is expected to reduce key air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by up to 40% by 2050.

Activities involving particularly large pig and poultry farms are already subject to these regulations, but the applicable rules will be extended, as announced by the European Union’s executive body.

Delayed notification

However, the requirements will not apply immediately. Industrial companies will have four years from 2028 to adopt the latest available technologies, the commission said. For farmers, the rules will start to apply from 2030.

Violations could result in fines of at least 3% of annual turnover in the worst case, according to the commission. Authorities will also be given more powers to temporarily close establishments that do not comply with the rules.

Proposal softened

The Commission originally called for stricter rules given that energy production, waste incineration and intensive livestock farming contribute to emissions of harmful substances into the air, water and soil.

Pollution from substances such as nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, mercury and other heavy metals can cause diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and cancer.

The initial draft bill, presented in April 2022, was watered down during negotiations with the European Parliament and member states.

Initially, the directive was intended to cover a much larger number of agricultural businesses because the Commission considered that they were responsible for high ammonia and methane emissions.

This has gone too far, especially for the parliament. As a result, cattle breeding will remain exempt from the regulations.