Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 100
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come.
Conclusion
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come. It is essential that all decisions on infrastructure investment are considered against the net zero target, likely impacts on biodiversity and future projections of the changes in climate likely to affect the UK, and comply with the UK’s air quality, biodiversity protections and Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery 73 climate change commitments. The nature recovery network that the Government has promised must not be an afterthought established after other infrastructure is built. Nature recovery must be integral to the Government’s infrastructure plans and factored in from the start as a strategic priority.
Paragraph Reference:
100
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, meaning that decarbonising these vehicles will be critical to achieving the Government’s net zero objective. Alongside the decision to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in 2030, the Government has committed £1.88 billion for plug-in grants and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition to zero emission vehicles, and uses the tax system to encourage the uptake of zero emission vehicles, with zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty and a company car tax rate of 1% this year. The Government has also committed to publishing a Green Paper on the UK’s post-EU emissions regulations this year. As well as supporting the decarbonisation of cars and vans, the Government has also made major investments in other clean forms of transport. This includes £5 billion for cycling and buses over this parliament, and £81 million of R&D funding in 2021–22 to launch a programme of investment in low and zero emission transport technologies. This includes new initiatives on sustainable aviation fuels, clean maritime demonstrations, zero emission freight trials, innovative electric vehicle charging solutions, and funding for a Hydrogen Transport Hub in the Tees Valley.