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