The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2025 / Gorchymyn Deddf yr Amgylchedd (Ansawdd Aer a Seinweddau) (Cymru) 2024 (Cychwyn Rhif 1) 2025
Summary
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2025 (the Order) was made on 23 January 2025 and came into force on 27 January 2025.
The Order brings into force the following provisions of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024:
- Section 1 (short title, commencement and extent)
- Section 2 (air quality objectives)
- Section 3 (local air quality management)
- Section 4 (noise and soundscape management)
The Order also revokes the Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2010 and the Environmental Noise (Wales) Regulations 2006.
Background
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 is a new law that will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in Wales. The Act will replace the Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2010 and the Environmental Noise (Wales) Regulations 2006.
The Act includes a number of new provisions, including:
- A new air quality objective for fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
- A new requirement for local authorities to produce air quality action plans
- A new noise and soundscape management system
The Act will also give the Welsh Government new powers to take action to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Order are as follows:
- Section 1 provides for the short title, commencement and extent of the Act.
- Section 2 sets out the new air quality objectives for Wales.
- Section 3 imposes a new duty on local authorities to prepare and implement air quality action plans.
- Section 4 establishes a new noise and soundscape management system for Wales.
Revocations
The Order revokes the following regulations:
- The Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2010
- The Environmental Noise (Wales) Regulations 2006
Implications
The Order will have a significant impact on local authorities in Wales. Local authorities will be required to prepare and implement air quality action plans and to establish a noise and soundscape management system.
The Order will also have a significant impact on businesses and individuals in Wales. Businesses will be required to comply with the new air quality objectives and to take steps to reduce noise pollution. Individuals will benefit from the improved air quality and reduced noise pollution.
Further Information
Further information on the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 can be found on the Welsh Government website:
https://gov.wales/environment-air-quality-and-soundscapes-wales-act
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2025 / Gorchymyn Deddf yr Amgylchedd (Ansawdd Aer a Seinweddau) (Cymru) 2024 (Cychwyn Rhif 1) 2025
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