Environment Legislation

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

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025

Split the 2026-2030 allocation period, modified free allocation processes, and enhanced transparency requirements for the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.


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.

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The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 11th Feb 25

The 2025 Order amended the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order, updating several specifications and documentation requirements.


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.

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The Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025

The 2025 order corrected errors and omissions in the Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent Order 2024.


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.

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The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2025

Transferred environmental assessment and planning data powers from UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers for renewable energy projects, while maintaining concurrent authority.


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.

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The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

Established a new combined county authority for Greater Lincolnshire with an elected mayor and devolved powers over transport, housing, economic development, and planning.


The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority for Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. The regulations create a directly elected mayoral position and grant significant powers over economic development, transport, housing, and planning.

The authority receives functions previously held by the Homes and Communities Agency, along with powers to establish development corporations, implement transport schemes, and coordinate strategic planning across the region.

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The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

Established the Lancashire Combined County Authority as a statutory body with powers over transport, housing, regeneration and economic development across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.


The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority covering Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.

The regulations grant the authority significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority will be governed by appointed council members with specific voting requirements for key decisions.

It receives powers to coordinate transport planning, deliver housing and regeneration projects, and conduct strategic economic assessments across the region.

The regulations also establish funding mechanisms and transitional arrangements for the new authority's operations.

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The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

Established the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority with powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development, effective February 5th, 2025.


The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined authority covering Devon and Torbay, granting it significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority gains concurrent powers with existing councils in areas including highway management, public transport, and strategic planning, while becoming the primary authority for local transport planning.

The regulations ensure democratic accountability through a carefully structured voting system and require consent from constituent councils for key decisions, particularly those involving financial commitments or compulsory land acquisition.

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The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025

Reformed the UK Emissions Trading Scheme's rules on installation closures, free allocation adjustments, and decarbonization provisions through amendments to primary and delegated legislation.


The Order amends the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to revise how installation closures are handled and their impact on free allocation of emissions allowances.

It introduces new definitions for operational cessation, mandatory notification requirements, and regulator powers to determine permanent closures.

The amendments also create special provisions for installations undertaking decarbonization projects and modify reporting requirements for installations receiving free allowances.

These changes aim to improve scheme administration while supporting industrial transition to lower-carbon operations.

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