PART 1

Environmental governance
CHAPTER 1

Improving the natural environment

Environmental targets

Environmental targets: review
7
1
The Secretary of State must review targets set under sections 1 to 3 in accordance with this section.
2
The purpose of the review is to consider whether the significant improvement test is met.
3
The significant improvement test is met if meeting—
a
the targets set under sections 1 to 3, and
b
any other environmental targets which meet the conditions in subsection (8) and which the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to take into account,
would significantly improve the natural environment in England.
4
Having carried out the review the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament, and publish, a report stating—
a
whether the Secretary of State considers that the significant improvement test is met, and
b
if the Secretary of State considers that the test is not met, the steps the Secretary of State intends to take in relation to the powers in sections 1 to 3 to ensure that it is met.
5
The first review must be completed by 31 January 2023.
6
Subsequent reviews must be completed before the end of the 5 year period beginning with the day on which the previous review was completed.
7
A review is completed when the Secretary of State has laid and published the report.
8
The conditions mentioned in subsection (3)(b) are that—
a
the target relates to an aspect of the natural environment in England or an area which includes England,
b
it specifies a standard to be achieved which is capable of being objectively measured,
c
it specifies a date by which the standard is to be achieved, and
d
it is contained in legislation which forms part of the law of England and Wales.
9
In this section “England” includes—
a
the English inshore region, and
b
the English offshore region,
within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (see section 322 of that Act).