Environment Legislation
Regulations protecting natural resources, addressing climate change, pollution control, and environmental conservation measures.
The Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage and Offshore Petroleum) (Specified Periods for Disclosure of Protected Material) Regulations 2025
The Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage and Offshore Petroleum) (Specified Periods for Disclosure of Protected Material) Regulations 2025 specify the regulatory windows following data collection during which the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) or subsequent holders can disclose protected material, including information and samples, related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) and offshore petroleum activities.
These regulations establish different disclosure timelines based on the sensitivity and nature of the material—some information can be published immediately, while detailed technical data, well information, injection/production records, and physical samples are subject to defined confidentiality periods, often contingent on reporting deadlines, system closures, or licence determination events.
Furthermore, the instrument amends a 2018 regulation concerning offshore petroleum data to align its disclosure deadline with the "reporting deadline" specified by the OGA.
The Helios Renewable Energy Project Order 2025
The Helios Renewable Energy Project Order 2025 grants development consent under the Planning Act 2008 for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a solar generating station and battery energy storage system in the North Yorkshire Council area, defining the scope of the authorised development, granting the undertaker powers for compulsory acquisition of land or rights, and establishing detailed preliminary provisions, street works, and specific protective requirements for various statutory undertakers including electricity, gas, water, drainage, and railway interests.
The Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025
This Order enacts non-material changes to the Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm Order 2022, effective from December 19th, 2025, following an application for amendment.
Key revisions include adding a definition for 'Defra,' clarifying the named 'undertaker' as Norfolk Vanguard West Limited, and significantly modifying Part 3 of Schedule 17, which relates to compensation for impacts on the Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton Special Area of Conservation (HHW SAC) by introducing the Marine Recovery Fund Payment as an alternative management measure to specific marine debris removal tasks.
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Commencement No. 9) and Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025
These Regulations establish the commencement dates for various provisions within the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, primarily setting 18th February 2026 as the start date for certain compulsory purchase order reforms and several aspects of Development Corporation powers, while bringing forward regulatory powers and provisions related to Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) immediately, alongside transitional measures to govern ongoing compulsory purchase procedures.
The Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025
The Secretary of State has issued The Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025, which makes non-material changes to the original 2021 Development Consent Order for the Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farm.
This Order, effective December 19th, 2025, officially incorporates a definition for Defra, updates the definition of the undertaker, corrects several precise geographical coordinates defining the authorized development, and significantly amends compensation provisions related to the Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton Special Area of Conservation (HHW SAC) by introducing the Marine Recovery Fund as a potential alternative to direct marine debris removal.
The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the 2024 Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations, effective from January 1st, 2026, across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, primarily by introducing new definitions for fibre-based composite materials, refining producer responsibility during corporate mergers and acquisitions, and establishing specific rules and charges for reporting 'closed loop packaging waste' derived from food-grade plastic.
Furthermore, the amendments adjust the scope of exemptions for charities, update various financial charges outlined in Schedule 1, and empower the scheme administrator to appoint Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to assist in regulatory functions, alongside detailed transitional provisions for reporting historical data related to the new closed-loop category.
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order, made by HM Treasury under the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000, revises the list of designated central government bodies for the purpose of calculating supply estimates and resource accounts for the financial year ending March 31, 2026.
Specifically, it substitutes the entire Schedule of the principal Order (The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025) with an updated list organized by government department, adding, renaming, or removing various public sector bodies.
The Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2025
The Secretary of State, exercising powers under the Government of Wales Act 2006, enacted this Order to introduce necessary consequential amendments to existing legislation following the passing of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024.
This Order modifies the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 to include infrastructure consent when considering site licences, amends the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 regarding consultation requirements related to government authorisation, and updates the Finance Act 2013 to incorporate infrastructure consent into rules governing the conversion of dwellings for non-residential use, ensuring legal alignment with the new infrastructure consenting process in Wales.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Cremyll to Kingswear) Order 2025
This Order, made by the Secretary of State under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, officially appoints December 17th, 2025, as the date when the coastline access preparation period ends for the coastal margin relating to the England Coast Path route between Cremyll and Kingswear.
This date signifies the conclusion of the preparatory phase following the Secretary of State’s approval of specific reports detailing the path segments, thereby establishing definitive public access rights over that coastal margin land.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth) Order 2025
This Order, made by the Secretary of State under powers granted by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, officially sets December 17, 2025, as the date when the access preparation period ends for the land designated as coastal margin along the England Coast Path section between Combe Martin and Marsland Mouth, based on previously approved reports and proposals.
The Ozone-Depleting Substances (Grant of Halon Derogations) Regulations 2025
The Ozone-Depleting Substances (Grant of Halon Derogations) Regulations 2025, made by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers, provide specific derogations from Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009 concerning the phase-out date for using halon 1211 in portable fire extinguishers.
The regulations extend permissions for this substance in fire suppression systems for specified Defence aircraft until June 2027 for some models and December 2040 for others, and for Loganair aircraft until December 2026, based on the justification that no technically or economically feasible alternatives currently exist for these critical aviation applications.
The South East Water Limited (River Ouse and Shell Brook) Drought Order 2025
The Secretary of State issued the South East Water Limited (River Ouse and Shell Brook) Drought Order 2025, effective from December 3, 2025, until June 2, 2026, to address a threatened serious water supply deficiency in the Sussex region caused by an exceptional shortage of rain.
This Order temporarily modifies South East Water Limited's existing abstraction licence (No. 21/128) by reducing required compensation release volumes to the Shell Brook, altering the natural flow conditions under which water can be abstracted from the River Ouse at Barcombe, and enabling abstraction at Ardingly during the Order's duration.
The Order mandates adherence to an environmental monitoring plan and specific mitigation measures detailed in a supporting Environmental Assessment Report.
The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Secretary of State made The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, obtaining consent from the Welsh and Scottish Ministers, to amend Part A of Annex 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on mercury.
These Regulations, which extend to England, Wales, and Scotland, introduce specific amendments to phase-out dates for mercury content in various products, including certain lighting types, sensing devices, and electronic components, aligning UK law with recent decisions made by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
The Marine Recovery Funds Regulations 2025
These Regulations establish the framework for the creation, operation, and management of Marine Recovery Funds (MRFs) across the UK, designed to channel payments from entities responsible for adverse environmental effects of offshore wind activities towards approved compensatory measures.
The Secretary of State is empowered to set up these funds territorially, determine the application procedure for 'MRF applicants' seeking to make compensation payments, approve environmental 'measures,' and manage the subsequent delivery, monitoring, and adaptation of those measures through 'MRF contracts.'
The Biocidal Products (Data Protection Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Biocidal Products (Data Protection Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, made by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers, modify Article 95 of the GB Biocidal Products Regulation by updating cross-references to previous EU regulations and significantly extending the data protection expiration date to 31 December 2030 for specific active substance/product-type combinations where approval decisions are still pending.
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) Regulations 2025, which established the mandatory scheme requiring boiler manufacturers to meet escalating targets for installing low-carbon heat pumps proportionate to their fossil fuel boiler sales in the UK. The amendments officially designate the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as the sole approval scheme for CHMM compliance, update the criteria for what qualifies as a hybrid heating system, and most significantly, increase the required low-carbon heat installation target for scheme years beginning April 1, 2026, from 6% to 8% of relevant boiler sales.
The Control of Mercury (Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Control of Mercury (Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 Regulations to implement new restrictions on mercury, focusing specifically on dental amalgam within Northern Ireland as required by the 2024 EU amendment regulation concerning mercury.
These changes update customs enforcement powers regarding import and export prohibitions and clarify temporary exemptions for existing use and import of dental amalgam by registered dental professionals in Northern Ireland until the end of 2034, while also adding corresponding reporting duties.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Portsmouth to South Hayling) Order 2025
This Order, made by the Secretary of State under powers derived from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, formally appoints 12th November 2025 as the day the access preparation period ends for the coastal margin associated with the England Coast Path route covering Portsmouth to South Hayling, referencing previous approvals of Natural England’s inspection reports.
The Nuclear Installations (Prescribed Conditions and Excepted Matter) Regulations 2025
These Regulations establish the necessary technical conditions for certain nuclear installations used for the disposal of nuclear matter to be exempt from the strict liability provisions of the Nuclear Third Party Liability (NTPL) regime established under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965.
The requirements include limiting the effective dose to the public off-site to no more than 1 millisievert and ensuring the risk of criticality on the site is negligible; furthermore, the legislation amends previous regulations to define nuclear matter disposed of on such an exempted site as 'excepted matter,' thereby clarifying liability responsibilities.
The Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, enacted by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Welsh and Scottish Ministers under powers derived from EU Regulation 2016/2031, amend the existing UK Phytosanitary Conditions Regulation (EU 2019/2072) by modifying several annexes concerning quarantine pests and import controls.
The primary effect is the addition of new fungi and insects to the GB quarantine pest lists, the removal of others, the clarification of special requirements for importing certain plants from third countries (notably concerning *Toumeyella parvicornis* and *Xylella fastidiosa*), and the addition of a plant species requiring a UK plant passport for internal movement.
The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025
The Secretary of State for Transport has issued this Order, following an application for a non-material change, specifically to amend Article 65 of the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025, which concerns the financial arrangements provided by National Highways Limited for the benefit of the Kent Downs National Landscape.
The Official Controls (Import of High-Risk Food and Feed of Non-Animal Origin) (Amendment of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793) (England) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, titled the Official Controls (Import of High-Risk Food and Feed of Non-Animal Origin) (Amendment of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793) (England) Regulations 2025, were enacted by the Secretary of State to amend the existing framework governing enhanced official controls on specific high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin entering England.
The key changes involve replacing the former Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes and TARIC sub-divisions with a single 'commodity code' structure to align with the UK's Integrated Tariff system, and substituting the previous Annexes I and II of EUR 2019/1793 with updated lists detailing required controls, hazards, and inspection frequencies for products originating from various third countries.
The Regulations extend to England and Wales but apply only to England, coming into force on January 1, 2026.
The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 following an application for a non-material change concerning environmental mitigation measures for the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The amendment specifically replaces a commitment in the Code of Construction Practice register regarding air quality effects, mandating the implementation of appropriate technology to enable a 60mph westbound speed limit enforcement zone on the M25 between junctions 26 and 27, coupled with detailed monitoring, reporting, and appropriate funding arrangements to prevent Adverse Effect on Integrity (AEoI) from nitrogen deposition.
The Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, enacted by the Secretary of State for England and the Welsh Ministers for Wales under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999, amend the primary Bathing Water Regulations 2013.
The changes involve updating definitions, establishing new criteria to restrict the identification of bathing waters based on feasibility, cost, or safety risks, granting flexibility in setting the official bathing season duration, modifying procedures for waters classified as 'poor' for five consecutive years by introducing a reconsideration period, and updating requirements for monitoring and reporting short-term pollution and annual data.
The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025 modify existing European Union derived legislation governing organic production and labelling within the UK, specifically amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 to extend certain transitional measures.
These amendments principally grant extensions until 31st December 2026 for the use of non-organically reared pullets in organic egg production flocks and permit the use of up to 5% non-organic protein feed for specific weight/age categories of piglets and poultry during the 2026 calendar year due to potential unavailability of organic supplies.
Additionally, a condition is added regarding the use of gellan gum in processed organic food, allowing non-organic sources if organic supplies are insufficient.
The Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendment) Order 2025, made by His Majesty in Council, amends the principal 1989 Order to ensure that current maritime legislation concerning casualty investigations, pollution prevention, safety regulations, fees, and ambulatory references to international instruments applies correctly to hovercraft as it applies to ships across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025
This Order officially corrects specific errors and omissions identified in the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Development Consent Order 2024, which was granted under the Planning Act 2008.
The Secretary of State for Transport issued this correction following a formal request from the applicant, implementing textual changes to articles, schedules, and updating the list of certified documents to ensure legal accuracy and clarity regarding the approved development.
The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment and Transitional) Regulations 2025
The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment and Transitional) Regulations 2025 primarily amend the 2001 Regulations by incorporating updated noise measurement standards, primarily through the introduction of a new Schedule 6A detailing methods to measure airborne noise emitted by equipment for use outdoors, and these changes extend to England, Wales, and Scotland and come into force on April 13th, 2026, with provisions made to allow industry to transition away from the old methods until May 2028.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey) Order 2025
This order sets September 24, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey.
The decision follows the approval by the Secretary of State of Natural England's proposals, detailed in six reports, under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis and clarifies terms and definitions used in the approval process.
Copies of the Secretary of State’s notices of approval are available online and through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Wight) (No. 1) Order 2025
This Order establishes September 17, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Wight.
The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in reports by Natural England concerning coastal access routes.
The Order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 as its legal basis.
The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025
This order corrects errors and omissions within the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025.
The corrections, requested by the applicant and the Kent Downs National Landscape Team, were made under the Planning Act 2008 and involve alterations to various articles and schedules, including modifications of definitions, article text, and table entries.
The order ensures the accuracy of the original consent order, improving clarity and facilitating the project’s efficient implementation.
The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Heather and Grass etc.
Burning (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2021 regulations governing vegetation burning on peatland in England.
Key changes include lowering the peat depth threshold for burning prohibitions from 40cm to 30cm, removing the definition of ‘designated site’, introducing a definition of ‘less favoured area’, updating references in the definition of ‘upland area’, modifying licensing grounds to include historic feature protection and research purposes, and removing a licensing ground.
These changes aim to improve environmental protection, streamline regulations, and align with current mapping and policy.
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption to Riverside Energy Park Limited from the requirement of obtaining a generation license for its Riverside 2 energy from waste facility in Belvedere, London.
This exemption is subject to conditions limiting power export to 100 megawatts and requiring connection to the national grid.
The order applies only to England and was enacted under the Electricity Act 1989.
The Response to the Committee on Climate Change Report (Extension of Period) Order 2025
The Response to the Committee on Climate Change Report (Extension of Period) Order 2025 extends the deadline for the UK government's response to the Committee on Climate Change's 2025 report from October 15th, 2025, to October 29th, 2025.
The order cites the need to allow sufficient time for a thorough response to the report's recommendations.
It was made under the powers granted by sections 37(5) and 90(3)(a) of the Climate Change Act 2008 and applies to the whole of the United Kingdom.
The Viking CCS Carbon Dioxide Pipeline (Correction) Order 2025
The Viking CCS Carbon Dioxide Pipeline (Correction) Order 2025 amends the original 2025 order to fix errors.
The Secretary of State received a written request for these corrections, which were made in accordance with the Planning Act 2008.
Specific corrections involve substituting, inserting, or omitting text in various parts of the original order, including articles and schedules specifying work details, environmental impact considerations and legal processes.
The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025
The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025 modifies the 2024 Order, altering article 5(12) regarding licence eligibility.
Specifically, it makes individuals who were shareholders or officers of certain companies ineligible for licenses or renewals until December 2031.
The order, enacted under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, aims to improve the regulation of cockle fishing in the Thames Estuary.
The Climate Change Agreements (Administration and Eligible Facilities) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2012 Climate Change Agreements (Administration) and (Eligible Facilities) Regulations to extend the scheme's reach to 2030.
Key changes include updating the calculation of buy-out fees with a new formula, clarifying definitions related to emissions and facilities, and introducing new requirements for information provision and reporting.
The regulations also extend the eligibility period of the Climate Change Agreements (Eligible Facilities) Regulations to 2033, refine the calculation of reckonable energy from renewable energy sources, and clarify definitions around biomass and other fuels.
A transitional provision ensures the amendments apply only to target periods from 2026 onwards.
The Marketing of Fruit Plant and Propagating Material (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Marketing of Fruit Plant and Propagating Material (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 regulations.
Key changes include adding a definition of "marketing," updating the interpretation of EU Directive 2014/98/EU with a new Schedule 6, removing a review duty, requiring labeling for genetically modified varieties, correcting terminology, and updating pest and disease requirements.
These updates aim to modernize the regulations and ensure consistency with current scientific knowledge and risk assessments.
The New Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Carbon Dioxide Emission Performance Standards) (Vocational Vehicles) Regulations 2025
These regulations outline a procedure for identifying and correcting misreported heavy-duty vehicles regarding their CO2 emission performance standards.
The Secretary of State is empowered to notify manufacturers of misreported vehicles, allowing manufacturers one month to provide evidence.
If the vehicle was incorrectly certified as a vocational vehicle, the Secretary of State corrects the manufacturer's average specific CO2 emissions, using either provided data or, failing that, a formula detailed in the Schedule.
The regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and come into effect on July 29th, 2025.
The Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) (Corrections) Order 2025
This order corrects errors found in the Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) Order 2025, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008.
The Secretary of State received a request to correct the errors, which were then detailed in a schedule to amend the existing document.
The order itself is cited with an effective date and includes a signature from the relevant authority.
The corrections address issues in several articles and schedules of the 2025 order, primarily related to textual inconsistencies and numbering errors within the original order.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 22nd, 2025, amend Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 concerning animal transport.
The amendments specifically address the handling of chickens (Gallus gallus) and turkeys, modifying the prohibition on lifting birds by their legs, whilst introducing new rules regarding lifting and carrying based on weight.
The regulations were developed after consultation with relevant stakeholders and apply across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025 increase hourly rates for specialist and non-specialist officers involved in environmentally regulating the offshore oil and gas industry.
These fee increases, effective immediately, apply to several existing regulations governing offshore petroleum activities, licensing, and environmental impact assessments.
The changes aim to update existing fees to better reflect the cost of providing regulatory services.
The Contracts for Difference (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
The Contracts for Difference (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend existing regulations governing Contracts for Difference (CFDs) in the UK energy market.
Key changes include expanding the definition of 'eligible generator' to encompass biomass stations, thereby extending support for renewable energy production; and granting the Secretary of State the authority to direct CFD counterparties to implement amendments related to sustainability obligations in CFDs entered into after the regulation's commencement date.
These amendments aim to promote sustainable energy sources and enhance the environmental considerations within the energy market.
The Electricity Act 1989 (Requirement of Consent for Solar Generating Stations) (England) Order 2025
The Electricity Act 1989 (Requirement of Consent for Solar Generating Stations) (England) Order 2025, effective December 31, 2025, amends the 1989 Act to increase the permitted capacity of solar generating stations in England from 50 to 100 megawatts before requiring Secretary of State consent.
The Order applies to England and Wales and is supported by a separate impact assessment.
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2021 Order to clarify the power to slaughter animals infected with tuberculosis, remove outdated references to the European Union Common Agricultural Policy, and broaden the Secretary of State's authority to publish information aiding tuberculosis prevention.
The amendment also adds several parishes to Schedule 3, expanding the specified areas covered under the order.
It comes into force on July 15, 2025 and covers England and Wales.
The Teversham Award Drains Variation Order 2025
The Teversham Award Drains Variation Order 2025 confirms a revised scheme for maintaining the Award Drain in Teversham, Cambridgeshire. The Environment Agency submitted the original plan, which was modified and subsequently confirmed by the Secretary of State.
The order transfers responsibility for maintaining the revised drain to South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City Councils, specifying that the change takes effect upon the order's confirmation.
The schedule details the revised drain's definition, the effective date, and the councils’ joint responsibility for maintenance.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, issued under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, bring into effect sections 3 and 5 of that Act on June 23, 2025.
This specifically mandates water and sewerage undertakers in England to create and publish annual pollution reduction plans, and incorporate nature-based solutions into their drainage and sewerage management plans.
The regulations include enforcement measures for non-compliance.
The Oxfordshire County Council (Oxpens River Thames Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge) Scheme 2024 Confirmation Instrument 2025
This legal instrument confirms the Oxfordshire County Council's scheme to build a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Thames in Oxford.
The bridge's design, location, and dimensions are detailed, along with confirmation that navigational requirements were considered.
The instrument cites the Highways Act 1980 as legal authority.
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 and 2024 Orders to clarify the calculation of vehicle emissions targets for manufacturers.
It specifies that vehicles first registered in either the UK or EU are to be included in these calculations, using the EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as a basis for calculation for both a UK specific and EU specific target.
The manufacturer's final target is the higher of the two calculated in this way.
The Order ensures consistency and clarity in application, supporting the UK's climate change goals while considering the implications of Brexit and retaining UK control and clarity over emission reduction targets.
The Order takes effect on 2nd October 2025 and applies across the UK.
The Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025
The Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025 amends the Planning Act 2008 to redefine nationally significant infrastructure projects.
It removes the exclusion of onshore wind from this designation and sets a capacity threshold of over 100 megawatts for onshore wind and solar projects to fall under this act.
Transitional provisions address applications and decisions made before the order's effective date (December 31, 2025), ensuring ongoing projects aren't disrupted.
The Antarctic (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Antarctic (Amendment) Regulations 2025 revise the 1995 Antarctic Regulations to reflect decisions from four recent Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings.
The regulations update the lists of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Historic Sites and Monuments (AHSMs), adding new sites and revising existing descriptions.
Several ASPAs and AHSMs have been removed, with revised descriptions provided for others.
New sites are added, along with updated geographical coordinates and descriptions that improve management and conservation.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025 sets June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between St Mawes and Cremyll in Cornwall.
This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's plans for a long-distance coastal path, as outlined in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.
The order references the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and clarifies the legal framework for public access to this section of the proposed path.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025
This order sets June 4th, 2025, as the official end date for the access preparation period along the coastal margin from Penzance to St Mawes.
The decision is based on the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, documented in nine specific reports.
This formally opens this section of coast to public access.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Newquay to Penzance) (No. 2) Order 2025
This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the coastal margin section of the England Coast Path between Newquay and Penzance.
This decision follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.
The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe) (No. 1) Order 2025
This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the England Coast Path from Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe.
The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in Natural England reports addressing coastal access along this route.
The order cites relevant acts of Parliament and provides details of the reports and approvals.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (No. 1) Order 2025
This order establishes June 24, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Sheppey.
The date follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports, for creating a long-distance coastal path.
The order cites relevant sections of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.
The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025
This order amends the Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 to incorporate non-material changes.
The Secretary of State approved the changes following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011.
Key amendments include modifications to definitions of ‘book of reference’ and ‘Order land,’ alterations to compulsory land acquisition provisions, and revisions to schedules detailing land rights and certified documents.
These changes aim for greater clarity and efficiency in the project’s implementation.
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.
Specifically, they revise the rules concerning the types of zero-emission vehicles that can be driven under certain licence categories in Great Britain.
The changes primarily relax restrictions on the maximum authorized mass of zero-emission vehicles that category B licence holders (standard car licence) can operate, allowing for larger vehicles and trailer combinations, with some stipulations on age and experience in certain cases.
The regulations also address the age restrictions for driving some medium-sized goods vehicles specified within the updated regulations, setting a single legal age of 17.
This legislation revokes and replaces previous regulations largely based on assimilated EU law.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025
The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, removing Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 from Annex 1's list of controlled substances.
The regulations were enacted by the Secretary of State with consent from the Scottish and Welsh Ministers and came into force immediately upon enactment.
An impact assessment is available online.
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective November 13, 2025, activate parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.
The Act governs the release and sale of precision-bred organisms, specifically focusing on plants within England, Wales, and Scotland.
The regulations specify which sections of the Act come into force, primarily those concerning the release, marketing, risk assessment, and production of food from precision-bred plants, and their enforcement.
The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025
The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025, enacted by the Marine Management Organisation, extends the Blyth Harbour limits to encompass Ash Barge Dock.
The order amends the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 to reflect this change, defining "Ash Barge Dock" and incorporating it into the harbour's jurisdictional boundaries.
The order also protects the rights of Trinity House and safeguards Crown interests.
It came into force on June 2nd, 2025, and applies to England and Wales.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends the 2015 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order for England.
Key changes include relaxing restrictions on installing electric vehicle charging points and air source heat pumps, streamlining planning processes for these developments.
Specific alterations involve removing certain limitations on the size, location, and number of permitted installations.
A transitional provision allows continued development under previous regulations for a limited time.
The Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Phytosanitary Conditions Regulation (EU 2019/2072) to update lists of quarantine and non-quarantine pests in Great Britain.
The amendments add *Pseudomonas avellanae* and *Neodiprion abietis* to the quarantine pest list, remove others from both quarantine and provisional quarantine lists, modify host plant lists, and revise import requirements for several plant species and products.
The changes aim to enhance plant health protection and align with international standards, with some provisions coming into effect on May 30th, 2025.
The Rivenhall Generating Station Extension (Correction) Order 2025
The Rivenhall Generating Station Extension (Correction) Order 2025 amends the 2024 order granting development consent under the Planning Act 2008.
It addresses errors identified in the original order regarding definitions within Article 2(1), specifically removing erroneous references to the Companies Act 2006 concerning "the 2006 Act," "holding company," and "subsidiary." The Secretary of State made the correction following a formal written request, notifying relevant local planning authorities.
The Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective May 20, 2025 (with some exceptions), extend several transitional periods related to post-Brexit official controls on food, feed, animal health, plant health, and plant protection products.
The amendments postpone deadlines in Annex 6 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) Regulations 2021, and the Official Controls (Plant Health) (Frequency of Checks) Regulations 2022, delaying stricter checks on certain imported goods until January 31, 2027.
These changes aim to ease the transition to the new regulatory framework.
The A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Development Consent (Corrections) Order 2025
The A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Development Consent (Corrections) Order 2025 rectifies errors within the 2024 Development Consent Order granted under the Planning Act 2008.
Following requests from the applicant and Essex County Council, the Secretary of State issued this order, which details specific corrections to various articles and schedules, encompassing definitions, references, and textual inconsistencies relevant to highway specifications, environmental documentation, and land acquisition processes.
The order came into force on April 25th, 2025.
The Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 Power Station (Amendment) Order 2025
The Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 Power Station (Amendment) Order 2025, effective April 28th, 2025, amends the 2015 Order.
It clarifies the definition of "processed municipal solid waste" within the 2015 Order by including waste types specified in several EU decisions (2000/532/EC, 2001/118/EC, 2001/119/EC, 2001/573/EC, and 2014/955/EU).
This change addresses an application for non-material change, aiming for better clarity in waste processing regulations within the power station's operation.
The Energy (Euratom Decisions and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2025
The Energy (Euratom Decisions and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2025 revoke 37 obsolete instruments, mostly related to the UK's former Euratom membership.
These regulations also revoke legacy transitional provisions concerning environmental assessments for electricity and pipeline works.
The changes simplify UK energy law, remove redundant provisions, and align the legal framework with the post-Brexit regulatory environment.
The Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) Regulations 2022 to add three national museums—in Merseyside, Northern Ireland, and Wales—to the list of institutions authorized to advise the Secretary of State on applications for exemption certificates under the Ivory Act 2018.
The amendment aims to improve the expertise and geographic reach of advice provided.
The Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage) (Retention of Information and Samples) Regulations 2025
The Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage) (Retention of Information and Samples) Regulations 2025, effective May 13, 2025, establish mandatory retention periods for carbon storage information and samples held by licensees.
The regulations cover various categories of information including survey, well, site, injection, production, monitoring, and installation data, specifying retention periods until a relevant event occurs or an information plan takes effect.
Similar requirements are outlined for the retention of samples, with stipulations about disposal notification and timeframes.
The regulations also address scenarios where a carbon storage license terminates, transferring responsibilities to a defined ‘responsible person’.
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing legislation in Northern Ireland to incorporate the latest EU ecodesign requirements for energy-related products and energy labelling.
The changes, implemented under the Windsor Framework, update the lists of products and their associated regulations, ensuring compliance with EU law.
Specific products covered include tumble dryers, space heaters, and smartphones, with staggered implementation dates.
The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025
The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 Order to make non-material changes to bycatch reduction measures.
Specifically, it revises the definition of "the offshore compensation measures" and modifies paragraphs 10-12 of Part 3 of Schedule 16, related to guillemot compensation, by updating consultation processes, predator eradication methods, and notification requirements.
The changes were made following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011 and are effective from April 14, 2025.
The Heckington Fen Solar Park (Correction) Order 2025
This order corrects errors in the Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008.
The Secretary of State approved corrections based on a written request from the applicant, which were then notified to the relevant local planning authorities.
The corrections amend several sections of the original order, updating references and coordinates, particularly in Schedules 1 and 13.
The effective date is April 14, 2025.
The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025
The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025, effective May 1, 2025, implement several sections of the Environment Act 2021 concerning biodiversity net gain.
These sections, primarily impacting planning permissions in England, introduce a condition within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure that all new developments contribute towards increasing biodiversity.
The regulations clarify specific parts of the relevant legislation that come into effect and explain the integration of these additions into existing planning processes.
While no independent cost impact assessment was deemed necessary for these regulations, reference is made to a broader impact assessment on the Environment Act 2021.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 1986 Regulations to permit road use of hydrogen-fuelled agricultural vehicles, engineering plant, works trucks, and category T tractors.
The amendments introduce new safety requirements for hydrogen fuel systems, including stipulations for fuelling receptacles, pressure relief devices, leak prevention, and driver warnings.
These requirements align with UNECE regulations and aim to balance enabling the use of hydrogen technology with ensuring public and environmental safety.
The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 amend existing legislation to reflect changes introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.
The regulations update fees for certain planning applications and adjust several Acts to incorporate new provisions for planning permission on Crown land in England.
These new provisions establish two application routes: one for urgent, nationally important developments and another for nationally important developments without urgency.
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, effective September 30, 2025, amend Annex 3 of (EC) No 1223/2009 to restrict methyl salicylate in cosmetics.
The regulation sets varying maximum concentrations based on product type, ensuring safe levels according to Scientific Advisory Group advice. A transitional period until March 31, 2026, allows existing stock to be sold.
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption from the requirement for Spiorad na Mara Limited to hold an electricity transmission licence for the transmission of electricity from its offshore generating station in the Isle of Lewis to an onshore substation.
The Secretary of State made the order under powers granted by the Electricity Act 1989, after consultation with Scottish Ministers, based on the unique circumstances of the offshore project.
The exemption applies to Scotland only, takes effect on May 7, 2025 and does not require a full impact assessment due to the anticipated lack of significant impact on the public or private sectors.
The Flood Reinsurance (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2015 Flood Reinsurance regulations, raising the total levy from £135 million to £160 million.
This increase aims to improve the affordability and availability of flood insurance in high-risk areas.
The amendment applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and took effect on April 1st, 2025, without affecting existing liabilities.
The New Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Carbon Dioxide Emission Performance Standards) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing UK legislation concerning carbon dioxide emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles.
The amendments correct errors, update references to reporting periods from 2019 to 2020, clarify definitions related to vehicle registration, and transfer responsibilities from the European Commission to the UK Secretary of State.
The changes aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of the regulatory framework while maintaining the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the automotive sector.
The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025
The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025, approved by the House of Commons, authorizes grants totaling up to £3,123,614 to the Churches Conservation Trust between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 for the preservation of historically significant churches in England and Wales.
The Order revokes the 2022 order and specifies the funding period under the Redundant Churches and other Religious Buildings Act 1969.
The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.
Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.
A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.
Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025 grants the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company permission to operate and maintain its railway, including a level crossing, and establishes procedures for its potential transfer.
The order specifies details regarding the railway, its maintenance, and the required safety protocols at its level crossing.
It also details processes for transferring ownership or lease of the railway.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants.
Key changes include updated concentration limits and exemptions for several substances in Annexes 1, 4, and 5, reflecting changes to the Stockholm Convention and international best practices.
The amendments add new substances, including Dechlorane Plus, Methoxychlor, and UV-328, to Annex 1 and update waste management provisions and derogations for several substances in Annexes 4 and 5.
A de minimis assessment indicates minimal overall economic impact.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025 sets March 26, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land between the Humber Bridge and Easington.
This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's report proposing a coastal access path in this area, based on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the UK's implementation of the EU's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.
Specifically, they modify the permitted uses of Dechlorane Plus and UV-328, allowing their continued use in certain applications, such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices, until specific dates in 2030 and 2044.
The amendments also clarify permitted use for replacement parts and repairs within those applications.
The regulations ensure consistency with previous UK legislation (S.I. 2025/296).
The Certification of Fuels and Fireplaces (Charges) (England) Regulations 2025
These regulations establish charges for the certification of wood fuel, manufactured solid fuels, and fireplaces in England, under the Clean Air Act 1993 and the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.
The regulations detail the specific charges for various application types and supplier categories, including initial applications, recertification, compliance checks, and audits.
These are payable to appointed assessment bodies and are intended to fund the certification process, which helps enforce smoke control measures and contributes to cleaner air, in line with the UK's obligations under the Gothenburg Protocol.
The REACH Fees and Charges (Amendment of Commission Regulation (EC) No 340/2008) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend fees payable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the UK REACH regulations.
The amendments adjust various fees across multiple annexes (Annex 1-7) of the overarching REACH regulation, which sets fees for chemical registrations and authorisations.
The adjustments consider changes in the consumer price index and HSE administrative costs.
The changes affect fees for different sized businesses and different applications and differ in their variations
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.
The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.
The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025
The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025 establishes 500-meter safety zones around five offshore installations in UK waters.
Two installations were already in place when the Order was made and two more will be in place from March or April 2025.
The order is based on the Petroleum Act 1987 and proposals from the Health and Safety Executive, aiming to enhance maritime safety by preventing vessels from entering or remaining in these zones without consent or in accordance with regulations.
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025, effective April 1st, 2025, amend Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 by eliminating the requirement for intensified two-year monitoring of holdings with confirmed atypical scrapie cases in sheep or goats in England.
These changes were made following appropriate advice on public health implications and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025
The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025, effective March 28, 2025, establishes new fees for wildlife licenses issued by Natural England under various Acts and Regulations.
It details fixed and variable charges based on application complexity and time spent processing the application, outlining exceptions for public safety, serious damage prevention, certain conservation purposes and development projects.
The Order also revokes the 2018 equivalent, maintaining the previous order's standards for applications submitted before the effective date.
The Movement of Goods (Northern Ireland to Great Britain) (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health etc.) (Transitory Provision and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
These regulations create a temporary system for moving specific goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, mirroring checks on imports from non-EU countries.
This involves applying existing legislation with modifications and specifying entry points.
The regulations also amend other legislation connected to defining ‘qualifying Northern Ireland goods’ to reflect ongoing changes in applicable law.
The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025
The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.
This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.
The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.
The Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) Order 2025
This Order grants development consent and authorises the construction, operation, and maintenance of a multi-user marine terminal at Immingham Port for importing and exporting bulk liquids.
It incorporates relevant provisions of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847, addresses street works, land acquisition (including compulsory purchase powers), and temporary land possession, outlining compensation procedures and protective measures for various stakeholders.
The order also includes stipulations for environmental management, decommissioning, and compliance with maritime regulations, along with detailed operational and general provisions.
The Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The regulations establish new requirements for electricity generating stations in England to demonstrate their readiness for future decarbonisation through either carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hydrogen conversion.
Operators must submit detailed technical and economic feasibility assessments when applying for environmental permits, proving they can meet specific conditions for either CCS readiness or hydrogen conversion readiness.
The regulations replace existing Carbon Capture Readiness requirements and extend to both inland and territorial waters adjacent to England.
The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025
The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025, effective March 31, 2025, establish exemptions to existing regulations regarding waste separation in England and Wales.
These exemptions permit the combined collection of certain recyclable waste streams (metal, glass, plastic) by English waste collection authorities.
Additionally, the regulations exempt micro-firms from certain waste collection requirements until March 31, 2027.
The regulations were drafted in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and following consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025
This Order implements significant changes to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), primarily splitting the 2026-2030 allocation period into two separate periods: a one-year 2026 allocation period and a four-year 2027-2030 allocation period.
It establishes new processes for free allocation of emissions allowances, modifies eligibility criteria for ultra-small emitters, enhances registry transparency requirements, and expands information sharing powers for climate change policy development.
The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order, incorporating non-material changes.
These alterations include specifications for minimum air gaps between wind turbine blades and HAT, adjustments to documentation requirements listed in Schedule 18, and other numerical updates to various parameters within Schedule 2.
The amendments follow an application under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008 and a review process adhering to the 2011 Regulations.
The Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025
The Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025 rectifies errors and omissions in the 2024 Development Consent Order.
Following requests from the applicant and an interested party, and in accordance with the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State made corrections detailed in a schedule.
The corrections encompass various articles and schedules of the original Order amending definitions, referencing, and documentation specifications.
The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2025
The Order transfers specific environmental assessment and planning data functions from the UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers, granting them concurrent powers over renewable energy projects.
It enables Scottish Ministers to make regulations regarding environmental outcomes reports and planning data for generating stations in Scotland and the Scottish Renewable Energy Zone, while requiring consultation with the Secretary of State.
The Order extends existing devolved powers to include offshore renewable energy developments and maintains coordination between UK and Scottish authorities.