Consultation outcome

Environment Act 2021: environmental targets

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Download the full outcome

Environmental targets consultation summary of responses and government response

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Environmental targets consultation summary of responses and government response: technical annexes

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Detail of outcome

Following consultation, all 13 targets are now in force. These cover:

  • biodiversity
  • woodland and trees outside woodland
  • water
  • marine protected areas
  • residual waste
  • fine particulate matter

For further information see the environmental targets legislation.

Detail of feedback received

We received over 180,000 responses to the consultation


Original consultation

Summary

Seeking views on new targets under the Environment Act 2021 to improve the natural environment.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

We want to know what you think about our plans to introduce new environmental targets under the Environment Act 2021. These targets will help meet the government’s vision of leaving the environment in a better state than it was found.

This consultation sets out our proposals for:

  • biodiversity on land and in the sea
  • water quality and availability
  • resource efficiency and waste reduction
  • air quality
Published 16 March 2022
Last updated 7 February 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated the text under the 'Detail of outcome' heading to explain the targets are now in force.

  2. We have published the summary of responses and the government responses to the consultation.

  3. The response to this consultation has been delayed.

  4. Added detail of the feedback received.

  5. Extended the closing date of this consultation.

  6. First published.