The PN has presented a motion proposing changes to environmental regulations to safeguard the environment and residents, while promoting a sustainable industry.

The PN on Tuesday said that the environment must be a national priority, and it strongly believes that activities with potential environmental and quality-of-life impacts, such as asphalt plants, must be seriously regulated.

It said that such regulations must be transparent, effective, and timely so that residents are assured that decisions are being taken responsibly and openly.

The PN said that the Environmental Permits Regulations (L.N. 53/2025), however, introduced by the government falls short in several crucial areas.

"The PN believes the process is not sufficiently clear, takes too long and leaves residents in limbo, especially when sensitive operations are set up near residential zones," it said.

At the same time, applicants for permits are facing new costs that, in effect, amount to hidden taxes, and tariffs, the PN said.

"These contradict government's promise of a tax-free Budget and risk creating barriers to compliance for those who seek to operate legitimately and transparently," it said.

As a result, the PN has tabled a Parliamentary Motion to amend these regulations, reminding the public that it has long called for regulation in sectors not yet covered by environmental controls, including, as recommended by the Ombudsman, the regulation of tarmac plants.

The PN said it also believes that the industry needs clear and predictable regulation so it can adapt to new requirements without facing unnecessary or unexpected burdens, and should be given the opportunity to transition towards sustainability without losing its competitiveness.

The PN's proposals include shorter clearance timeframes to make regulatory control more efficient and strengthen environmental and residential protection, and regulatory clarity to eliminate unjustified burdens on industry.

The PN also proposed the right to appeal clearance decisions, both for applicants and third parties, adequate time for public participation so the public can engage meaningfully and with full information, pre-established and clearly published clearance conditions, subject to public consultation, more effective consultation with relevant entities, and removal of costs that effectively act as hidden taxes.

"The PN also notes that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) already suffers from a lack of resources and inefficient use of those it has. These new regulations will place further pressure on the Authority," it said.

Therefore, the motion tabled in Parliament also calls for increased resources and an aggressive restructuring so that ERA can carry out its role seriously and efficiently, the PN said.

Additionally, the PN has tabled amendments aimed at safeguarding the operational independence of ERA, ensuring it can act autonomously and free from external pressures or political influence, always in the best interests of the environment and the public.

The PN said that a clear, transparent and efficient regulatory process is essential to uphold environmental justice and protect the quality of life of citizens, while also promoting a sustainable and competitive industry.

Through this Motion, concrete changes can be adopted to strike a fair and balanced approach between serious environmental protection, industrial stability, and genuine public participation, the PN said.

PL replies

“The environment is not something you just talk about—it requires action,” the Labour Party said in a statement in reaction to the PN.

“That’s why it’s a shame that every time the country takes important steps to bring about cultural change and raise environmental standards, we find the populist Nationalist Party trying to please both God and the devil.”

This evening’s statement by Nationalist MP Rebekkah Borg is proof of this attitude—on one hand, saying there should be new rules, but on the other hand, looking for ways to weaken those very rules, the PL said.

“The new environmental permits are an important step forward in favour of citizens’ rights and the protection of communities, because they better regulate polluting activities, and some matters are even being regulated for the first time. The Opposition wants to weaken all of this,” the PL said.

“The industry knows that this Government always supports it, and it also understands that environmental protection is in its own interest—these new rules ensure justice so that those who follow the rules and seek environmental standards are not at a disadvantage,” it added.

The PN said that people know that this kind of reform has been needed since the time of the Nationalist administration, but no one ever had the courage to take this step in favour of the environment.

“Above all, the reform of environmental permits saw the involvement of many, including various stakeholders who shared their input and contributed. Now the Nationalist Party wants to weaken them—despite all the talk about the importance of the environment,” the PL continued.

“The environment doesn't need declarations—it needs concrete actions, like those taken by the Government.”