The Nationalist Party said that it is proposing changes to environmental regulations to safeguard the environment and residents while promoting a sustainable industry.

Rebekah Borg, Shadow Minister for the Environment, emphasised that the environment “must be a national priority and strongly believes that activities with potential environmental and quality-of-life impacts, such as asphalt plants, must be seriously regulated.”

She insisted that “such regulations must be transparent, effective, and timely so that residents are assured that decisions are being taken responsibly and openly.”

The Environmental Permits Regulations (L.N. 53/2025), however, introduced by the Government “fall short in several crucial areas,” stated Ms Borg. “The PN believes the process is not sufficiently clear, takes too long and leaves residents in limbo, especially when sensitive operations are set up near residential zones.”

Ms Borg insisted that, “at the same time, applicants for permits are facing new costs that, in effect, amount to hidden taxes. These contradict the Government’s promise of a tax-free Budget and risk creating barriers to compliance for those who seek to operate legitimately and transparently.”

As a result, Ms Borg said that the PN has tabled a Parliamentary Motion to amend these regulations, “reminding the public that it has long called for regulation in sectors not yet covered by environmental controls, including, as recommended by the Ombudsman, the regulation of tarmac plants.”

She added that the PN “also believes that the industry needs clear and predictable regulation so it can adapt to new requirements without facing unnecessary or unexpected burdens, and should be given the opportunity to transition towards sustainability without losing its competitiveness.”

The Shadow Minister said that PN’s proposals include:

Shorter clearance time frames to make regulatory control more efficient and strengthen environmental and residential protection;

Regulatory clarity to eliminate unjustified burdens on industry;

A right to appeal clearance decisions, both for applicants and third parties;

Adequate time for public participation so the public can engage meaningfully and with full information;

Pre-established and clearly published clearance conditions, subject to public consultation;

More effective consultation with relevant entities;

Removal of costs that effectively act as hidden taxes.

“The Nationalist Party also notes that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) already suffers from a lack of resources and inefficient use of those it has,” said Ms Borg. “These new regulations will place further pressure on the Authority. Therefore, the Motion tabled in Parliament also calls for increased resources and an aggressive restructuring so ERA can carry out its role seriously and efficiently.”

Additionally, she said that the PN has tabled amendments aimed at “safeguarding the operational independence of ERA, ensuring it can act autonomously and free from external pressures or political influence, always in the best interests of the environment and the public.”

Ms Borg went on to say that “the Nationalist Party reiterates that a “clear, transparent and efficient regulatory process is essential to uphold environmental justice and protect the quality of life of citizens, while also promoting a sustainable and competitive industry.”

She concluded by saying that “through this Motion, concrete changes can be adopted to strike a fair and balanced approach between serious environmental protection, industrial stability, and genuine public participation.”

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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