Bill to set up new body holding public authorities in Wales to account on environmental law passes Senedd

The legislation will create the Office of Environmental Governance Wales, an independent body responsible for holding public authorities to account on environmental law.

This includes scrutinising the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and local authorities.

The legislation also enables and requires Ministers to set "ambitious, legally binding targets to halt and reverse biodiversity decline" by increasing native species, strengthening ecosystem resilience and addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss. 

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This is a landmark moment for nature in Wales. By passing this Bill, we have sent a clear message that protecting our natural environment is a national priority. 

“As this winter has shown, climate change is driving more extreme weather events – putting pressure on our environment and biodiversity. 

“With one in five species at risk of extinction and communities across Wales already feeling the effects of more frequent floods, heatwaves and wildfires, this legislation gives us the tools we need to act decisively.”