25 July 2026
PO Box 986 Douglas Isle of Man IM99 2TB
Isle of Man News

Help Shape New Environmental Laws

Businesses and individuals are invited to help shape new environmental laws will assist the Isle of Man protects its land, sea and air.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has launched an eight-week consultation on the proposed Environmental Protection Bill.

If approved by Tynwald, the Bill would give DEFA the powers to introduce modern secondary regulations and ensure compliance with treaties such as the OSPAR Convention and London Protocol.

It would also set out updated standards for landfill management, tighter controls on hazardous substances, and clearer obligations for offshore developers—including requirements to submit decommissioning plans from the outset.

Environmental Protection Bill

The Bill seeks to improve environmental outcomes by:

  • Setting clear, internationally recognised protection standards;
  • Controlling industrial waste, emissions and pollution on land and at sea;
  • Establishing strong safeguards for future offshore energy projects;
  • Making polluters pay for the damage they cause.

Clare Barber, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “This consultation marks a vital step in updating our environmental laws and we are particularly keen to hear from businesses, who have a key role to play.

“Our current legislation is more than 30 years old and no longer provides the tools needed to manage today’s environmental risks.

“The proposed changes would help us keep pace with global standards while safeguarding our natural environment and quality of life.”

The consultation runs until August 7.

Charlie Morrey is a Broadcast & Multi Media Journalist for Manx.News and also is a Presenter on Energy FM. Charlie has previously written for Isle of Man Newspapers, magazines and also started her broadcasting career with Manx Radio.

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