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Y Pwyllgor Amgylchedd a Chynaliadwyedd
Environment and Sustainability Committee
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Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF99 1NA
2 August 2011 |
Dear Colleague
The National Assembly for Wales’ Environment and Sustainability Committee is undertaking an inquiry into energy policy and planning in Wales. The terms of reference for the review are as follows:
The Committee will consider how the current devolution arrangements for energy policy and planning affect the delivery of the Welsh Government’s desired future ’energy mix’ in Wales, as set out in A Low Carbon Revolution – Energy Policy Statement (2010) [1]and the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap (2011). [2]
- What are the implications for Wales if responsibility for consenting major onshore and offshore energy infrastructure projects remains a matter that is reserved by the UK Government?
- How does this affect achievement of the Welsh Government’s aspirations for various forms of renewable and low carbon energy as set out in the Energy Policy Statement?
- How does this affect delivery of the Welsh Government’s target for a 3 per cent reduction in Green House Gas emissions per annum from 2011?
- What will be the impact if consenting decisions on major infrastructure projects and associated development are not all taken in accordance with Welsh planning policy?
- Alongside these questions, the Committee will also consider the two petitions about Welsh Government planning guidance as it relates to onshore wind energy and the impact on local communities and infrastructure.[3]
Issues that the Committee will want to consider as part of these terms of reference include:
- The role of the different consenting agencies, how they inter-relate and how the current system could be improved, both with and without further devolution (Infrastructure Planning Commission, Planning Inspectorate, Local Planning Authorities, National Parks, Welsh Government, Marine Management Organisation, Environment Agency).
- The relationship between the UK Government’s Energy National Policy Statements and Welsh national and local planning policies (including Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Note 8 and Local Development Plans) and whether or not these policies can achieve the Welsh Government’s aspirations, including whether or not a formal review of TAN 8 is now required.
- The potential contribution and likelihood that different types of renewable and low carbon energy (offshore wind, tidal, onshore wind, hydro-power, nuclear, bio‑energy/waste, micro‑generation, community energy projects) will be capable of delivering the Welsh Government’s aspirations for energy generation as set out in A Low Carbon Revolution – Energy Policy Statement and the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap.
- The potential contribution of these different types of renewable energy to meeting the Welsh Government’s annual target for Green House Gas emission reduction.
- The potential role of other forms of energy production in Wales e.g. existing fossil fuel energy generation, proposed nuclear generation and newer technologies such as coal-bed methane and shale gas.
- The transport issues relating to wind turbines and other forms of renewable energy including their impact on roads, traffic and tourism.
Submissions do not need to address all the above areas and the Committee welcomes evidence from both individuals and organisations. If you know of a person or organisation who might be interested in the Committee’s inquiry, please pass this letter on to them.
We will be holding oral evidence sessions in the Autumn Term 2011 so it would be helpful if you could indicate in your submission whether you would be prepared to give oral evidence, if invited.
Generally, we ask for submissions to be made in writing because it is normal practice for the National Assembly to publish evidence provided to a Committee on our internet site so that it becomes part of the public record. However, we are also able to accept evidence in audio or video format. Submissions can be provided in either English or Welsh, although we ask organisations with Welsh Language policies to provide bilingual responses, where applicable, in line with their policies.
Submissions should be sent to the Clerk at E&S.comm@wales.gov.uk, or the address above, to arrive no later than Friday 23 September 2011.
Disclosure of Information
As previously stated, it is normal practice for the National Assembly to publish evidence provided to a Committee. Consequently your response may appear in a report or in supplementary evidence to a report. The National Assembly will not publish information which it considers to be personal data.
In the event of a request for information submitted under UK legislation, it may be necessary to disclose the information that you provide. This may include information which has previously been removed by the National Assembly for publication purposes.
If you are providing any information, other than personal data, which you feel is not suitable for public disclosure, it is up to you to stipulate which parts should not be published and to provide a reasoned argument to support this. The National Assembly will take this into account when publishing information or responding to requests for information.
Yours faithfully
Dafydd Elis-Thomas AC / AM
Cadeirydd / Chair