Government launches consultation on environment hours before PN bill
Ministers slam PN's proposed bill as 'immature, good on paper but dangerous in practice'
The government has launched a public consultation on ways to protect the environment just hours before parliament debates and votes on a constitutional amendment proposed by the Opposition.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, shortly before parliament votes on a private members' bill to enshrine the protection of the environment in the Constitution, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli accused the PN of "lacking seriousness" adding such protection is already enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
“This government introduced the Environment Protection Act, measures to tackle climate change, as well as 65 legal notices related to strengthening environmental protection laws. All of these came after broad consultation, as can be attested to by several NGOs and social partners. The Opposition did not follow this process,” Dalli said.
“The amendment is badly written, sets no limitations and above all endangers several activities that happen regularly and are already regulated. It is dangerous to change laws without considering what impact they will have,” she added, referring to concerns expressed by various interest groups, including those related to hunting, target shooting, motorsports and football. The Malta Development Association has also voiced its concerns.
Earlier on Thursday, the PN insisted it had held a public consultation exercise, and sought to quell fears that the amendment would threaten traditions and cultural activities.
Dalli said the ‘Green Paper’ would give people the opportunity to share their views on what kinds of protection are needed.
“Based on this, the government can continue to strengthen laws, based on public consensus and proper evaluation and study.”
Dalli described the amendment as a "kneejerk damage control exercise" after controversial comments made by PN leader Alex Borg in September, when he appeared to suggest that he was open to "towers" being built in Gozo, before back tracking and insisting that such high-rise buildings had no place on the island.
The consultation period is open until December 4. Feedback can be submitted on the government’s public consultation website, or by email.
‘Good on paper but dangerous in practice’
Justice Minister Jonathan Attard said that while the proposed amendment "looked good on paper, it was dangerous in practice".
“It is vague and lacks procedural controls, and opens the door for unfounded, speculative and potentially malicious cases opened by people who do not have a direct interest,” he said, adding that the amendment would also impact the efficiency of the courts by further increasing their workload.
“This is a populist amendment that not only has a legal impact but also an economic and social one. It could have a devastating impact on sectors that carry the economy on their shoulders,” he said, mentioning heavy industry, energy, tourism, agriculture, fishing, transport and infrastructure projects.
Responding to questions, the ministers denied that pressure had been put on NGOs to come out against the amendment.