Environment Act 2021

PART 3 N.I. Interpretation

Meaning of “natural environment” N.I.

9 In this Schedule the “natural environment” means—

(a) plants, wild animals and other living organisms,

(b) their habitats,

(c) land (except buildings or other structures), air and water,

and the natural systems, cycles and processes through which they interact.

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 2 para. 9 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 147(3)

I2 Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at 25.7.2022 by S.R. 2022/54, art. 2(2)

Meaning of “environmental protection” N.I.

10 In this Schedule “environmental protection” means any of the following—

(a) protection of the natural environment from the effects of human activity;

(b) protection of people from the effects of human activity on the natural environment;

(c) maintenance, restoration or enhancement of the natural environment;

(d) monitoring, assessing, considering, advising or reporting on anything in paragraphs (a) to (c).

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 2 para. 10 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 147(3)

I4 Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at 25.7.2022 by S.R. 2022/54, art. 2(2)

General interpretation N.I.

11 (1) In this Schedule—

• “current environmental improvement plan” has the meaning given by paragraph 1(8);

• the “Department” means the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland;

• “environmental improvement plan” has the meaning given by paragraph 1 (and see also paragraph 3(10));

• “environmental principles” has the meaning given by paragraph 6(5);

• “improving the natural environment”, in relation to an environmental improvement plan, is to be read in accordance with paragraph 1(5);

• “making” policy includes developing, adopting or revising policy;

• “Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975;

• [F1 “OEP” has the meaning given by section 22;]

• “policy” includes proposals for legislation, but does not include an administrative decision taken in relation to a particular person or case (for example, a decision on an application for planning permission, funding or a licence, or a decision about regulatory enforcement);

• “policy statement on environmental principles” has the meaning given by paragraph 6.

(2) Section 41(3) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33 (N.I.)) applies in relation to the laying of a document before the Northern Ireland Assembly under this Schedule, as it applies in relation to the laying of a statutory document under an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 2 para. 11(1) inserted (28.2.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), s. 147(6)(7), Sch. 3 para. 30(4) (with s. 144); S.R. 2022/54, art. 2(1)(a)

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 2 para. 11 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 147(3)

I6 Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at 25.7.2022 by S.R. 2022/54, art. 2(2)