Glaswegians urged to help shape new green strategy
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has launched a public consultation on its five-year draft strategy, with the aim of gathering feedback from organisations and members of the public in Glasgow and beyond.
ESS, which took over the environmental oversight role previously held by the European Union following Brexit, was established in October 2021 to ensure environmental laws and standards are adhered to in Scotland.
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Mark Roberts, chief executive of ESS, said: "This consultation will enable us to refine our final strategy, which will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year.
"Environmental law directly and indirectly impacts every resident, business and community in Glasgow, so we're keen to hear from as wide a range of people and groups as possible.
"I would encourage anyone with an interest in our work to take part."
The draft strategy outlines how ESS will monitor compliance of public bodies in Scotland with environmental law, assess its effectiveness, and prioritise areas for scrutiny.
It also includes an updated vision, new strategic objectives, and ESS's proposed response to recommendations from Scottish Ministers following a government review of environmental governance.
An online consultation session will be held on June 19, giving residents the chance to hear directly from Mr Roberts and other ESS staff about the draft strategy and to ask questions.
The final document will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament later this year.
ESS's first strategy, covering 2022 to 2025, led to investigations into compliance with environmental law in areas such as air quality, wrasse fishing, and the management of special protection areas for birds.
The organisation also examined the effectiveness of environmental law on issues including storm overflows, marine litter, and soil protection.
The consultation is open until August 29.
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