Environment Law Bulletin - Institute of Environmental Management ...

efrigerants with less potent greenhousegas effects or to include the units in awider regulation of these gases in aproposal due in Autumn 2003.(European Commission, Press Release, 10 February2003)A consultation paper issued by theEuropean Commission is seeking views onmeasures to alleviate the emissions ofgreenhouse gases from the use of mobileair conditioners. It states that containmentof HFC134a is possible but would likely tobe the most expensive measure. As substitutesare available, its phase-out seems tobe most cost effective measure, althoughthe most appropriate substitute has yet tobe identified. It is proposed to lay down aflexible approach to allow manufacturersand suppliers to select the most appropriateoption. The Commission is also calling fortest procedures to be defined as a prerequisitefor monitoring and future policydevelopment to tackle the additional fuelconsumption brought about by the use ofair conditioning in vehicles. All commentswere requested by 11 March 2003.(European Commission, 4 February 2003)Air pollutionAir emission trends across Europe for theperiod 1990 to 1999 have been presented ina report by the EEA. The report covers atmosphericpollution including acidification andeutrophication, and particulate matter. Trendsare shown for 18 EEA countries and 10 accessioncountries, with emissions also brokendown in terms of economic sector includingenergy, industry, transport and agriculture. Theresults show that emissions of acidifying gases(SO2, NOx and NH3) have decreased significantlyin most EU Member States. Emissionsdecreased by 38% between 1990 and 1999in the EU as a whole. Total ozone precursoremissions have been reduced across the EU by27% between 1990 and 1999, with roadtransport and industry contributing most tothis reduction. Total emissions of fine particlesalso have been reduced in this period, acrossthe EU by 34%. This is mainly due to a reductionin the emissions of secondary particulateprecursors SO2 and NOX but also to reductionsof PM10 from energy industries.(EEA, January 2003)SolventsA limit on the solvent content in paints,varnishes and vehicle coatings, designed toreduce the content of volatile organiccompounds (VOCs), has been presented bythe European Commission. VOCs are directlyresponsible for ground level ozone or smog,a chronic problem in the EU, which canresult in a range of symptoms such as eyeirritation and repertory problems, as well asaffecting the growth of plants. With theexception of vehicle finishing products, theproposals include a two-phase approach.The first phase will apply from 1 January“Total ozone precursor emissions have been reducedacross the EU by 27% between 1990 and 1999, withroad transport and industry contributing most tothis reduction.”2007 when limit values for decorative paintsrange from 50g/l for water-borne primers to750g/l for some special solvent-borneprimers. In phase 2, which will apply from 1January 2010, limit values will be furtherlowered significantly for most categories.The proposals will amend the Directive onthe limitation of emissions of VOCs due tothe use of organic solvents in certain activitiesand installations (1999/13/EC).(COM (02) 750, 23 December 2002)Non-road machineryA Directive amending Directive 97/68/ECrelating to measures against the emission ofgaseous and particulate pollutants frominternal combustion engines in non-roadmobile machinery (2002/88/EC) has nowbeen published in the Official Journal.Member States must transpose the Directiveby 11 August 2004 when the first in aseries of emissions limits will take effect. Itsets limits for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,nitrogen oxides and particulates forseven different engines for both handheldand non-handheld machines. It specificallyexempts chainsaws, hedge trimmers, powercutters and portable drills. Producers areallowed to use labelling to indicate thatequipment meets prescribed limit values.(OJ L 35, 11 February 2003)15Environment Law BulletinApril 2003