Greens propose amendemnts to MEPA demerger law

Alternattiva Demokratika expressed its disagreement with the MEPA split proposed by government due to the resulting fragmentation as a result of which human and financial resources will be spread over two authorities thereby weakening environmental action. 

In a meeting held this morning with Minister Leo Brincat, AD's deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo and general secretary Ralph Cassar proposed two amendments to the proposed Environment Protection Act. 

AD argued that while Articles 3 and 4 of the Bill list the environmental duties and principles which Malta should observe to protect the environment, Article 5 declares that these are just guidelines which should not be enforceable in a Court of Law.    

“AD is insisting that this should change as it should be possible for the Maltese Courts to order the state to act in order to protect the environment, just as has happened recently in the United Kingdom and in Holland,” AD said. 

The second amendment proposed by Alternattiva Demokratika concerns the method of selection of the members of the Board of the Authority. 

AD said that government, before proceeding to appoint such members, should seek the advice of the Parliamentary Committee on Planning and the Environment.

“Such advice should be given by the Parliamentary Committee after the persons nominated are examined by the Committee during a sitting held in public,” AD said.

“This change would increase the possibility of the appointment of a higher percentage of competent persons as members of the Board. It would also decrease the possibility of appointment as members of persons whose only qualification is membership in the government party.”