Asim Ali, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from January and how they affect the goals of decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. This blog post is part of a monthly series that also reflects on the activity of relevant select committees.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 

Reducing Underwater Noise to Support Renewable Energy 

New measures have been introduced to manage underwater noise, particularly from offshore wind construction and underwater explosions. These changes aim to minimise disruption to marine life while ensuring that offshore wind projects can be developed efficiently.  

Planning Proposals for Infrastructure and Nature Recovery 

The Government has outlined plans to streamline infrastructure projects while ensuring nature recovery is a key priority. A new Nature Restoration Fund will provide financial support to developers to meet environmental obligations more efficiently.  

Deposit Return Scheme for Plastic Bottles and Cans 

A new deposit return scheme will be introduced in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027. The initiative aims to reduce waste by encouraging consumers to return empty plastic bottles and cans to collection points, ensuring they are recycled rather than discarded.  

Boosting Offshore Wind Investment 

The Government has announced a series of reforms to speed up the approval process for offshore wind projects. These changes are expected to unlock up to £30 billion in investment and allow for the rapid development of 13 major offshore wind projects.  

Review of the Environmental Improvement Plan 

A rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is being conducted, assessing progress on key environmental goals. The findings, released by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, highlight areas where further action is needed to enhance environmental outcomes. 

National Consultation on Land Use 

A public consultation has been launched to gather views on the future of land use in England. The consultation seeks input from farmers, businesses, and conservation groups on how best to balance food production, infrastructure development, and environmental restoration.  

Government Response to the OEP’s Environmental Progress Report 

In response to the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)’s latest report, the Government has outlined steps to improve environmental performance. The response details how recommendations from the OEP will be addressed to drive progress in air quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. 

Have Your Say: Open Consultation on Land Use 

Consultation on England’s land use strategy is open until 25 April 2025. The Government is inviting feedback on how land should be used to balance housing, infrastructure, food production, and environmental protection.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 

Supporting Businesses in Cutting Carbon Emissions 

As part of efforts to decarbonise UK industries, £51.9 million in funding has been awarded to 25 businesses adopting innovative emissions-cutting projects.  

Reappointment of Ofgem Chief Executive 

Jonathan Brearley has been reappointed as Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, with his term extended until 31 January 2030.  

Investment in Fusion Energy to Create Jobs and Growth 

The Government has announced a £410 million investment to accelerate the development of fusion energy, positioning the UK as a global leader in clean energy innovation.  

Great British Energy Appoints Start-up Board 

Great British Energy, the Government’s new publicly-owned energy company, has appointed five non-executive directors to its start-up board. The board members bring expertise from both the public and private sectors to help deliver the Government’s mission to enhance energy security, attract investment, lower bills, and support clean energy growth. 

Workforce Support for Clean Power Jobs 

To ensure workers can benefit from the transition to clean energy, the Government is making regional skills investments to support job growth in Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire. A ‘skills passport’ has also been launched to help oil and gas workers transition into clean energy roles. 

Open Call for Evidence on Energy Smart Data 

The Government is seeking views on the development of a Smart Data scheme in the energy sector, which would allow consumers to securely share their energy usage data with authorised third parties. The consultation is open until 10 March 2025. 

UK Submits 2035 Emissions Reduction Target 

As part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, the UK has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), setting a target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. The submission will be reviewed ahead of COP30 in Brazil in November 2025. 

Select Committees

Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Select Committee 

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has announced two new inquiries, focusing on the UK's biosecurity measures and the challenges facing the fishing sector. These inquiries seek to gather evidence and explore policy solutions for safeguarding animal and plant health, as well as addressing spatial and workforce pressures in the marine environment. 

Environmental Audit Committee  

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is scrutinising the UK Government’s commitment to net zero, particularly in relation to airport expansion and the energy-intensive roll-out of AI technologies.  

During an appearance before the EAC, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero outlined the Government’s commitments to meeting net zero targets. 

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee 

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into how land value capture policies could support the Government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes and fund affordable housing and public infrastructure.