Deutsche Umwelthilfe: Expert Council's Report a Model for Successful Environmental Policy

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has evaluated the special report on the implementation of environmental law by the Expert Council for Environmental Issues (SRU) as a model for successful environmental policy. The report addresses deficits in the current implementation of environmental law, analyzes their causes, offers solutions, and emphasizes the importance of the right for associations to bring legal action.

DUH calls on the federal government to follow the SRU's recommendations and defend democratic participation rights for effective environmental law. The SRU highlights air quality management as a prominent example of widespread enforcement deficits, an area where DUH has been active for decades. Through numerous successful lawsuits, the organization has contributed to lowering nitrogen dioxide concentrations in affected cities.

According to DUH, participation rights and substantive environmental law have been particularly under pressure. While accelerating procedures is important, it should not come at the expense of lowering established standards. Early public participation also has a positive effect on project acceptance and benefits policy-making.

The SRU advises caution with further legislation aimed at speeding up processes. DUH appeals to all decision-makers to follow these recommendations and unequivocally defend democratic participation rights.