Wednesday, September 4, 2013

EU Water Framework directive


EU Water Framework directive runs until 2015.
(Each EU member state must attain 'good chemical and ecological status'.)
Funny, imbedded in the directive is this:

"Member states are allowed to SEEK PERMISSION to 'derogate' (defer) attainment of the good water status standard if evidence can be given to show that the COST of achieving that standard would be EXCESSIVE.”
(Accentuations added. Perman et al., 2011: 190)

So, you have to do it, but if it costs too much, you don’t really have to do it. Not the very best policy-making.
To be completely honest, I didn't check if, and how many EU member states applied for such exemptions. You are free to do so yourself.
Perman et al., (2011). Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. 4th ed. Pearson Education Limited. Ashford Colours Press Ltd, Gosport.

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