The PN's Bill requesting more transparency from the ERA is insufficient to current needs and includes "a lot of hullabaloo", Minister for the Environment Aaron Farrugia said, as the Government voted against the bill.
The government then proceeded to introduce its own Bill regarding the same topic.
The minister spoke during a plenary session in parliament discussing amendments proposed by the PN to the Environment Protection Act, which were presented by PN MP and Speaker for the Environment Robert Cutajar. Earlier during the session, Cutajar said that the ERA should not continue working "as if it is keeping secrets".
"This is a hullabaloo; Cutajar spoke for half an hour where nothing about the Bill was discussed," Farrugia said.
The Bill dealt with two things: public hearings, so that applications are heard in public, and juridical interests.
The Minister remarked that since he was installed in the post of Minister for the Environment, a lot of changes when it comes to transparency have taken place.
"If we want to speak about transparency, one has to acknowledge that IPPCs are heard in public. The Environmental Impact Assessments were starting to be heard publicly once I came in," he said.
The ERA has a member of the Opposition who sits on the board, and there are NGO representatives as well, the Minister remarked. "To say the ERA meets in some form of garage and holds discussions in secret is nonsense."
The Minister said that although they agree in principle with the sentiment of the PN's Bill, the Government tabled a different Bill on the same subject. "It is more transparent, expedite and practical," he said.
The Minister remarked that interested 3rd parties can appeal to the authorities by registering and declaring their interest. "Yes, one can appeal, but you have to register, follow the process." Through the Government's Bill, an environment committee will also be introduced, he said.
"This is a better step than the PN's proposal. The public will be able to participate, and it will be alerted about applications.