Law-making move over environment

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8021417.stm

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Proposals which could lead to the Welsh assembly having powers to make its own laws on the environment have been put forward.

Draft legislation has been presented to assembly members and the UK Parliament.

The so-called legislative competence order (LCO) would provide powers over waste, pollution and nuisances.

Environment minister Jane Davidson said it would give Wales the power to pass laws "based on Welsh priorities, Welsh need and Welsh timescales".

The LCO passes to Westminster for pre-legislative scrutiny, which if allowed then gives the Welsh assembly the opportunity to bring in its own measures.

Ms Davidson added: "Protecting our environment and managing waste in the right way are critical to the future of Wales."

She said it would provide an "additional lever" to respond to new environmental challenges and address policy which cannot be implemented through existing powers.