(1)The Secretary of State must prepare a policy statement on environmental principles in accordance with this section and section 18.
(2)A “policy statement on environmental principles” is a statement explaining how the environmental principles should be interpreted and proportionately applied by Ministers of the Crown when making policy.
(3)It may also explain how Ministers of the Crown, when interpreting and applying the environmental principles, should take into account other considerations relevant to their policy.
(4)The Secretary of State must be satisfied that the statement will, when it comes into effect, contribute to—
(a)the improvement of environmental protection, and
(b)sustainable development.
(5)In this Part “environmental principles” means the following principles—
(a)the principle that environmental protection should be integrated into the making of policies,
(b)the principle of preventative action to avert environmental damage,
(c)the precautionary principle, so far as relating to the environment,
(d)the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source, and
(e)the polluter pays principle.