Ahead of the general election next May, the Liberal Democrats have started setting out policies that will be included in its manifesto.

Its proposals include legal targets for clean air and water, ambitious waste reduction plans, an end to dirty coal power stations and an ambitious decarbonisation target for the electricity sector.

The five green laws proposed by the Lib Dems are the following:

·A Nature Bill: key measures include legal targets for biodiversity, clean air, clean water and access to green space, extending the ‘Right to Roam’ and establishing new marine and coastal reserves.

·A Heating and Energy Efficiency Bill: key measures include building on the Green Deal with a national programme to raise the energy efficiency standards for all Britain’s households. The Lib Dems will legislate to boost renewable and district heating programmes and heat saving standards.

·A Zero Waste Britain Bill: key measures include establishing a ‘Stern Report’ on resource use, with binding targets and a clear action plan to reduce waste and end biodegradable landfill.

·A Zero Carbon Britain Bill: key measures include introducing a decarbonisation target for electricity generation, expanding the powers of the Green Investment Bank and banning electricity generated from unabated coal.

·A Green Transport Bill: key measures include establishing a full network of charging points for electric cars, only allowing low emission vehicles on the roads from 2040 and reforming planning law to ensure new developments are designed around walking, cycling and public transport.

Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “The environment has always been a top priority for the Liberal Democrats and while we have achieved a huge amount on our green agenda in the Coalition, it’s hardly a secret that this has been one of the biggest areas of tension.

“Liberal Democrats see our duty to protect our environment for future generations as a central political and moral challenge. This is not something we can, or should, try and sidestep. In this Parliament, we’ve made a big step forward particularly on green energy, but other areas have not seen such progress.”

Liz Gyekye

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