§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what environmental appraisal will be undertaken to assess the environmental implications of her reviews of(a) renewable energy and (b) utility regulation. [35636]
§ Mr. BattleEnvironmental considerations are an integral part of the continuing reviews of renewables and utility regulation. One of the stated aims of the Renewables Review is to consider the potential contribution which new and renewable energy technologies can make to meeting future greenhouse gas reduction commitments and the terms of reference of the Review of Utility Regulation include consideration of changes to the system of utilities regulation to ensure regulation which promotes the Government's objectives for sustainable development and the environment. The need for, and nature of, specific environmental appraisals will depend on the final outcomes of the reviews.