Environment Legislation

Regulations protecting natural resources, addressing climate change, pollution control, and environmental conservation measures.

The REACH (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026

These Regulations extend the statutory timeframes for the submission of chemical safety data and the performance of compliance checks under the UK REACH framework.

They reduce the immediate administrative burden on businesses by pushing back deadlines for providing full registration dossiers to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and simultaneously extend the window of time for the HSE to complete its evaluation of those dossiers.

The measures apply to all manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of chemical substances in England, Wales, and Scotland.

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The Warboys, Somersham and Pidley Internal Drainage Board (Reconstitution) Order 2026

This Order confirms a scheme submitted by the Environment Agency to reconstitute the Warboys, Somersham and Pidley Internal Drainage Board.

It reduces the number of elected members on the Board from twenty-one to fifteen and provides for the initial appointment of these members by the Secretary of State.

The Order further ensures that all property, rights, and obligations held by the Board prior to this reconstitution are transferred to the newly reconstituted body.

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The Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These Regulations amend the Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) Regulations 2014 to include the continued operation of existing nuclear power stations within the definition of an eligible generating activity.

This change allows operators of current nuclear facilities to qualify as 'eligible generators' for the purposes of the Contracts for Difference scheme, a mechanism that provides price certainty for low-carbon electricity producers.

The instrument applies to persons intending to carry out electricity generation in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The March and Euximoor Water Management Board Order 2026

This Order consolidates the Euximoor Internal Drainage District and the March East Internal Drainage District into a single new district called the March and Euximoor Internal Drainage District.

It abolishes the two pre-existing drainage boards and establishes the March and Euximoor Water Management Board to oversee the new district.

The order applies to the Environment Agency, local authorities in the affected English regions, and the newly appointed 15 members of the board, transferring all assets, liabilities, and debt-recovery powers to the successor body.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Silecroft to Silverdale) (No. 2) Order 2026

This Order establishes 23rd July 2026 as the date on which the access preparation period ends for specific stretches of coastal land between Silecroft and Silverdale in England.

It applies to land designated as coastal margin within the areas defined by three specific Natural England reports covering the route from Green Road railway station to Greenodd footbridge.

Once this period ends, public access rights for recreation under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 become effective for these designated areas.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Harwich to Shotley Gate) (No. 1) Order 2026

This Order establishes 29 July 2026 as the date on which the access preparation period ends for specific stretches of the England Coast Path between Harwich and Shotley Gate.

By ending this period, the Order triggers public rights of access to land designated as coastal margin under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The affected areas include land from Hopping Bridge in Mistley to Brantham Hall Farm, and continuing through Lower Holbrook to Shotley Gate, as detailed in reports HSG4, HSG5, and HSG6.

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The Modification of the Law (British Steel Limited Property Transfer) Regulations 2026

These Regulations modify several areas of UK law—including employment, freedom of information, insolvency, and procurement—to facilitate the transfer of property and liabilities from British Steel Limited (ACo) to a state-owned company, SPV 2026 Limited (BCo).

They ensure all British Steel employees are transferred to the new entity while removing the statutory duty to consult with employee representatives during this specific process.

The instrument further exempts the new company from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and public procurement rules under the Procurement Act 2023, while protecting government ministers and agencies from being legally classified as shadow directors.

These provisions apply to the Secretary of State, UK Government Investments Limited, and the personnel and management of the involved companies starting 16 July 2026.

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The Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026

These Regulations increase the maximum financial penalties that local authorities in England can impose for environmental offences including littering, fly-tipping, graffiti, and fly-posting.

The instrument raises the upper limit for fly-tipping fines to £5,000 and increases the maximum penalty for general littering to £750.

These changes apply to principal litter authorities and relevant local authorities in England, providing them with a broader range within which to set specific penalty amounts for their jurisdictions.

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