MPs question Greater London Authority on air quality issues
27 June 2012
Air pollution contributes to a range of health problems and costs Britain some £10 billion a year. The European Union has set limits for the concentrations of harmful pollutants in outdoor air, as well as ceilings for the amount of pollutants that may be emitted.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will be taking evidence on air quality issues in England and Wales, including a focus on air quality in London in the run up to the Olympics.
Witnesses
Wednesday 27 June, Committee Room 16, Palace of Westminster
At 2.30pm
- Matthew Pencharz, Advisor for Environment and Political Affairs, Greater London Authority
- Elliot Treharne, Air Quality Manager, Greater London Authority
- Simon Birkett, Founder and Director, Clean Air in London
At 3.15 pm (approx)
- Dr Colin Powlesland, Environment and Business Manager, The Environment Agency
- Daniel Instone, Head of Atmosphere and Local Government Programme, Defra
- Dr Sarah Honour Head of the Air Quality Evidence Team, Defra
- Mr Steven Beard, Director of Operations, Blaby District Council
The session will explore:
- How England and Wales, and particularly, London is performing against EU and national air quality targets
- How effective measures to improve air quality are in cutting pollution
- The health impacts on people living and working in areas breaching current standards
- The roles and responsibilities of key organisations in tackling air pollution including local government, Environment Agency and Defra.