New energy law - "a good day for the environment"
October 17, 2008 1:15 PM
Cambridge MP David Howarth, who has been fighting for local control to ensure better standards of energy efficiency in new homes, was jubilant today (Friday) when the Planning and Energy Bill became law.
The Bill allows local councils to set energy efficiency rules stricter than those of national government.
"This is a very good day for the environment and a very good day for decentralising power," said Mr Howarth.
"This law will make a big difference to making new housing greener."
The Bill was pushed through despite a last-minute attempt by Conservative MP, Christopher Chope to defeat it.
Thirty six MPs voted but if there had been just two fewer it would not have been discussed.
The Bill overturns a Labour government decision to forbid the use by local councils of the 'Cambridge Rule', under which councils require developers to increase the energy efficiency of new homes from renewable or low-energy sources.
Mr Howarth added: "The 'Cambridge Rule' will allow our local councils to set better targets to make Cambridge an even greener city. I'm strongly committed to providing Cambridge residents with eco-friendly measures and this new law will greatly improve housing in Cambridge."
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