As someone with a post-grad degree in Energy and Environmental Economics, with a strong interest in environmental issues and renewable technologies, I am a keen supporter of the Conservative Environment Network (CEN). I fully endorse the CEN “Changing Course” manifesto to promote cleaner rivers, seas, and waterways in our county and our country.
The manifesto calls on the government to:
- Create a River Restoration Fund using the money raised from fining illegally polluting water companies into local initiatives to tackle pollution.
- Introduce a clear labelling system to stop people flushing wet wipes, sanitary products and nappies which cause 300,000 sewer blockages a year.
- Designate at least 22 new river bathing water sites to give communities the tools to monitor and drive action to reduce pollution.
- Roll out the Environmental Land Management scheme to pay farmers to restore waterways, tackle flooding, and switch to sustainable farming practices.
- Reform planning rules to build more reservoirs, fast-track on-farm reservoirs and slurry stores, make water firms statutory consultees on planning applications, and ensure new homes have sustainable drainage.
- Reform nutrient neutrality requirements to unlock the 120,000 new homes currently blocked across 74 local authorities by creating a new private market for developers to fund river catchment restoration.
