Environment Legislation

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

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea) (No. 2) Order 2026

Designated 24 June 2026 as the end of the coastal access preparation period for the Southwold to Lowestoft stretch of the England Coast Path.


This Order establishes June 24, 2026, as the formal end of the access preparation period for specific stretches of the Suffolk coastline between Southwold and Lowestoft.

It applies to land designated as coastal margin within the England Coast Path sectors AHS4 and AHS5, effectively enabling public access rights under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Order affects landowners, local authorities, and the general public by concluding the legal window reserved for physical preparations and land management changes required for the new long-distance route.

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The Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026

Set a limit of zero carbon units that may be credited to the net UK carbon account for the 2028-2032 budgetary period, excluding units related to emissions trading schemes.


The Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026 establishes the maximum amount of carbon units that can be credited to the net UK carbon account for the 2028-2032 budgetary period.

It directs that this limit be set at zero, effectively preventing the use of international carbon credits to meet national carbon budgets for that specific timeframe, except for units associated with emissions trading systems.

The order applies to the calculation of the net UK carbon account, overseen by the Secretary of State and relevant national authorities in the devolved administrations.

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The Carbon Budget Order 2026

Established a maximum limit of 535 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for the UK's net carbon account between 2038 and 2042.


This Order establishes the legal limit for the net UK carbon account during the five-year budgetary period spanning 2038 to 2042.

It directs that the total greenhouse gas emissions, minus removals and credits, must not exceed 535,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The Order applies to the whole of the United Kingdom and functions as a secondary legislative instrument under the Climate Change Act 2008 to ensure progress toward the 2050 net-zero target.

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The Marine Licensing (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment etc.) Order 2026

Expanded UK marine licensing requirements to include various activities conducted by UK persons or vessels in international waters and the high seas.


This Order expands the scope of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 by designating ten new categories of licensable marine activities conducted in areas beyond national jurisdiction, such as the high seas and the international seabed.

It requires British vessels, aircraft, structures, and 'United Kingdom persons' to obtain licenses for activities including depositing substances, scuttling vessels, constructing works, dredging, and using explosives in these areas.

The Order also establishes specific exemptions for activities that do not require environmental impact assessments and aligns the new regulations with existing Scottish marine legislation and cable maintenance protocols.

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The Sunnica Energy Farm (Amendment) Order 2026

Amended the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 to update several project plans and reference documents certified under the development consent.


This Order modifies the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 by updating the list of certified documents that govern the energy farm's development.

It replaces specific rows in Schedule 10 of the original 2024 Order to incorporate updated versions of access and rights of way plans, the book of reference, land and Crown land plans, traffic regulation measures plans, and works plans.

These changes apply to the Sunnica Energy Farm project and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

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The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Incorporated former EU standards for animal research severity and reporting into the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.


These Regulations amend the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to incorporate and restate clinical and administrative standards formerly contained in EU legislation, specifically the Animals Directive (2010/63/EU).

They establish a domestic framework for classifying the severity of scientific procedures on animals, mandate specific reporting timelines for project summaries, and define the advisory tasks of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies.

The instrument applies to researchers, scientific establishments, and the Secretary of State across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The Environmental Delivery Plans (Appropriate Prioritisation) Regulations 2026

Mandated a hierarchy for Natural England to prioritize avoiding environmental damage over mitigation or compensation in development plans as of July 2026.


These Regulations establish a hierarchy of conservation measures that Natural England must follow when drafting or amending Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.

The agency is directed to prioritize avoidance of environmental damage over mitigation, and mitigation over compensation, provided such prioritisation is deemed appropriate and delivers value for money.

These rules apply specifically to Natural England's administrative processes in England and require the agency to explicitly categorize all proposed conservation measures within their plans.

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The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026

Commenced multiple sections of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and established transitional arrangements for ongoing infrastructure applications and highway schemes.


These Regulations bring several provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 into legal force on various dates throughout 2026.

The instrument activates sections concerning Natural England's advisory role, the transfer of transport functions, and significant reforms to the development consent process for infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008.

These changes apply to the Secretary of State, local planning authorities, Natural England, and applicants for major infrastructure developments in England and Wales.

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