European Parliament Adopts Stricter Emissions Regulations for Industry and Livestock Farms
The European Parliament has passed new regulations aimed at reducing harmful emissions from industrial sites and large pig and poultry farms, to better protect human health and the environment. With a significant majority, the revisions to the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and the establishment of the Industrial Emissions Portal were approved.
These updates mandate the strictest possible emissions levels across various sectors, introduce obligatory environmental performance targets for water usage, and set efficiency and consumption targets for waste, energy, and raw materials. Additionally, the directive will now encompass extractive industries and large battery manufacturers.
The IED’s expansion to include larger livestock farms specifies thresholds for pig and poultry operations, excluding certain extensive and organic practices. An evaluation by December 31, 2026, will determine if further measures are needed, including for cattle farms, and ensure non-EU producers adhere to these standards when exporting to the EU.
