Explanatory note

The purpose of Part 2 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (“the Act”) is to require the Welsh Ministers to meet targets for reducing net Welsh emissions of greenhouse gases from Wales. Section 29 of the Act places a duty upon the Welsh Ministers to ensure that net Welsh emissions for the year 2050 are at least 100% lower than the baseline emissions figures.

Section 31(1) of the Act requires that the Welsh Ministers set carbon budgets for each 5-year budgetary period between 2016 and 2050. Section 32(1)(b) of the Act requires that each carbon budget set by the Welsh Ministers is set at a level consistent with meeting the 2050 emissions target and the interim emissions target for any interim target year that falls within or after that budgetary period.

Regulation 2 contains interpretation provisions.

Regulation 3 sets the carbon budget for the budgetary period 2031-2035 so it is limited to an average of 73% lower than the baseline.

In accordance with section 32(3) of the Act, the Welsh Ministers in drafting these Regulations have had regard to the factors listed in section 32(3).

In accordance with section 49 of the Act, the Welsh Ministers have obtained and taken into account the advice of the advisory body before laying draft regulations.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ and is published on www.gov.wales.