With 141 votes in favour, 80 against and 3 abstentions, the Environment Legislative Decree 2024 has received the final green light by the Chamber of Deputies. This decree, which updates the Consolidated Law on the Environment of 2006aims to introduce important changes for the management of natural resources and the ecological transition. We’re talking about news for simplify environmental assessmentspush on renewable energy and better manage hydrogeological instability, but also for bring the drills closer to the coast. One of the most awaited decisions concerns water, which remains public thanks to the withdrawal of an amendment that would have opened up to privatisation.
The decree was defined as strategic by the government, but there was no shortage of criticism and debate. Let’s take a detailed look at the key points and what to expect in the coming years.
Water privatization
An amendment proposed by Forza Italia would have allowed the entry of private capital (up to 20%) into public companies that manage water services. However, the amendment was withdrawn, leaving the current public management of water resources unchanged. However, the government has left the door open for discuss possible changes in the 2025 budget.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
To accelerate projects that contribute to the ecological transition, the Environment Legislative Decree introduces a fast track for Environmental Impact Assessments. Projects related to renewable energy, such as photovoltaic or wind power, will be able to take advantage of more streamlined processesprovided that the legal availability of the land concerned is certified. The new rules aim to reduce bureaucracy and align with the climate objectives of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).
Renewable
An important focus of the decree concerns renewable energy. The government has identified priority areas to facilitate authorizations photovoltaic, wind and green hydrogen projectswith priority for large plants, such as agrivoltaic ones above 50 MW. The objective is to accelerate the energy transition and contribute to European climate commitments.
Drills and gas
Not without controversy, the Environment Decree reduces the minimum distance for fossil gas drills from 12 to 9 miles from shore. There is also a stop to new permits for exploration and extraction of liquid hydrocarbons, with some exceptions for deposits considered strategic. The measure aims to balance the country’s energy security with environmental protection needs.
Circular economy
As regards waste, the decree strengthens the role of the Register of Environmental Managers and introduces rules to simplify technical management by small businesses. Electronics shops will be obliged to collect old electronic devices free of charge (WEEE)even without purchasing new products. A move that aims to reduce the dispersion of electronic waste in the environment.
Reclamation and hydrogeological instability
The Environment Decree dedicates resources and specific plans to the management of hydrogeological instability. Municipalities will be obliged to map the areas at risk and plan interventions to prevent landslides and floods. Funding is also envisaged for interventions on river basins and a strengthening of the powers of extraordinary commissioners for the management of urban waste water.
Stop new hydrocarbon permits
Among the most relevant measures is the ban on new permits for the exploration and exploitation of liquid hydrocarbonsboth on land and at sea. Exceptions will be granted only for deposits with significant volumes, if requested before the entry into force of the decree. It is a clear indication of the direction in which the country intends to move.
