Meetings
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Act 2026
This page gives details of any meetings held which will, or did, discuss the matter, and includes links to the relevant Papers, Agendas and Minutes.
Note: Meeting Agenda can change at short notice. Particularly where future meeting dates are indicated more than a week in advance. Please check before planning to attend a Committee Meeting that the item you are interested in has not been moved.
Meeting: 24/02/2026 - Plenary - Sixth Senedd (Item 16)
Debate: Stage 4 of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
NDM9172 Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)
To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with
Standing Order 26.47:
Approves the Environment (Principles, Governance
and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill.
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity
Targets) (Wales) Bill, as amended at Stage 3
Minutes:
The item started at 20.35
In
accordance with Standing Order 26.50C, voting on the motion under this item was
deferred until Voting Time.
NDM9172 Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)
To
propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.47:
Approves
the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill.
Environment
(Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as amended at
Stage 3
The
result was as follows:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
51 |
0 |
2 |
53 |
The
motion was agreed.
Meeting: 11/02/2026 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 11/02/2026 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 11/02/2026 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 PTN 8 - Letter from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Revised Explanatory Memorandum - 3 February 2026
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 10/02/2026 - Plenary - Sixth Senedd (Item 15)
Debate: Stage 3 of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets (Wales) Bill
The amendments will be disposed of in the order
which the sections and schedules to which they relate were set out in the motion
under Standing Order 26.36 agreed by the Senedd on 3 February 2026.
The amendments have been grouped for the purposes
of debate and the groupings will be debated as follows:
1. Environmental principles and integrating
environmental protection
9, 10, 11, 12, 13
2. Environmental protection and improvement report
53
3. Office of Environmental Governance Wales:
establishment and related matters
33, 25, 46, 26, 32, 8, 48
4. Office of Environmental Governance Wales:
general purpose
36, 1, 47, 7
5. Office of Environmental Governance Wales:
strategy
27, 34, 28, 29, 30
6. Office of Environmental Governance Wales:
monitoring and reporting
37
7. Office of Environmental Governance:
representations and investigations
38, 39, 2, 3
8. Biodiversity targets: targets under new section
6B of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016
40, 4, 5A, 5, 54, 6, 31, 42, 43, 45
9. Biodiversity targets: setting and reviewing
targets
14, 41, 15, 16, 17, 35, 18, 19, 20, 21
10. Welsh Ministers’ plans and reports under
section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016
49, 44, 22, 50, 23, 51
11. Meaning of “public authority”
52
Supporting documents:
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity
Targets (Wales) Bill (as amended at Stage 2)
Revised
Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment - 3 February 2026
Minutes:
The item started at 17.00
A vote was taken on amendment 9:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
11 |
0 |
37 |
48 |
Amendment
9 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 10:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
10 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 11:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
11 |
0 |
37 |
48 |
Amendment
11 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 12:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
12 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 13:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
13 was not agreed.
Amendment 53 was withdrawn in accordance
with Standing Order 12.27.
Amendment 33 was agreed, in accordance with
Standing Order 12.36.
A vote was taken on amendment 25:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
24 |
0 |
25 |
49 |
As
required by Standing Order 6.20 the Presiding Officer exercised her casting
vote by voting against the amendment. Therefore, amendment 25 was not agreed.
Amendment 46 was not moved.
A vote was taken on amendment 26:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
13 |
0 |
35 |
48 |
Amendment
26 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 32:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
36 |
0 |
12 |
48 |
Amendment
32 was agreed.
Amendment 8 was not moved.
Amendment 36 was agreed, in accordance with
Standing Order 12.36.
A vote was taken on amendment 1:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
2 |
11 |
35 |
48 |
Amendment
1 was not agreed. As amendment 1 was not agreed,
amendment 7 fell.
A vote was taken on amendment 47:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
47 was agreed.
Amendment
27 was withdrawn in accordance with Standing Order 12.27.
A vote was taken on amendment 34:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
34 was agreed.
Amendment 28 was not moved.
Amendment 29 was not moved.
Amendment 30 was not moved.
Amendment 37 was withdrawn in accordance
with Standing Order 12.27.
A vote was taken on amendment 38:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
38 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 39:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
39 was agreed.
Amendment 2 was not moved.
Amendment 3 was not moved.
A vote was taken on amendment 40:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
40 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 4:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
13 |
23 |
48 |
Amendment
4 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 5A:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
11 |
27 |
48 |
Amendment
5A was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 5:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
11 |
25 |
48 |
Amendment
5 was not agreed.
Amendment 54 was not moved.
A vote was taken on amendment 6:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
13 |
23 |
48 |
Amendment
6 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 31:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
3 |
11 |
34 |
48 |
Amendment
31 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 14:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
0 |
36 |
48 |
Amendment
14 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 41:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
23 |
0 |
25 |
48 |
Amendment
41 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 15:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
22 |
0 |
26 |
48 |
Amendment
15 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 16:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
0 |
36 |
48 |
Amendment
16 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 17:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
17 was not agreed.
Amendment 35 was agreed, in accordance with
Standing Order 12.36.
A vote was taken on amendment 42:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
42 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 18:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
18 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 19:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
10 |
0 |
38 |
48 |
Amendment
19 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 43:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
45 |
0 |
3 |
48 |
Amendment
43 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 20:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
0 |
36 |
48 |
Amendment
20 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 21:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
21 |
0 |
27 |
48 |
Amendment
21 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 49:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
49 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 44:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
26 |
0 |
22 |
48 |
Amendment
44 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 45:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
45 |
0 |
3 |
48 |
Amendment
45 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 22:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
0 |
36 |
48 |
Amendment
22 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 50:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
45 |
0 |
3 |
48 |
Amendment
50 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 23:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
12 |
0 |
36 |
48 |
Amendment
23 was not agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 51:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
46 |
0 |
2 |
48 |
Amendment
51 was agreed.
A vote was taken on amendment 52:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
23 |
0 |
25 |
48 |
Amendment
52 was not agreed.
Amendment 48 was not moved.
All
sections and schedules of the Bill were deemed agreed, concluding
Stage 3 proceedings.
Meeting: 09/02/2026 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 7)
- Webcast for 09/02/2026 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 09/02/2026 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
7 Correspondence from the Welsh Government: Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- LJC(6)-05-26 - Paper 34 - Letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 3 February 2026, item 7
PDF 208 KB
- LJC(6)-05-26 - Paper 35 - Letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to the Llywydd, 2 February 2026, item 7
PDF 176 KB
Minutes:
The Committee noted the correspondence from the Welsh Government.
Meeting: 03/02/2026 - Plenary - Sixth Senedd (Item 11)
Motion to vary the order of consideration of Stage 3 amendments to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets (Wales) Bill
NDM9131 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)
To propose that Senedd Cymru, in accordance with
Standing Order 26.36:
Agrees to dispose of sections and schedules to the Environment (Principles,
Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill at Stage 3 in the following
order:
a) Section 1 - 8;
b) Schedule 1;
c) Section 9 - 11;
d) Schedule 2;
e) Section 12 - 30;
f) Schedule 3;
g) Section 31 - 45;
h) Schedule 4;
i) Section 46 - 47;
j) Long title.
Minutes:
The
item started at 16.23
NDM9131 Jane Hutt (Vale of
Glamorgan)
To
propose that Senedd Cymru, in accordance with Standing Order 26.36:
Agrees to dispose of sections and schedules to the Environment (Principles,
Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill at Stage 3 in the following
order:
a)
Section 1 - 8;
b)
Schedule 1;
c)
Section 9 - 11;
d)
Schedule 2;
e)
Section 12 - 30;
f)
Schedule 3;
g)
Section 31 - 45;
h)
Schedule 4;
i)
Section 46 - 47;
j) Long title.
The
motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
Meeting: 11/12/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 11/12/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 11/12/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Stage 2 Proceedings
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Naomi Matthiessen, Bill Senior Responsible Owner and Policy lead for Governance and Principles, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division - Welsh Government
Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity Division, Policy lead for Biodiversity - Welsh Government
Dorian Brunt, Lead Lawyer, Legal Services, Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill Lead Lawyer - Welsh Government
Documents relevant to Stage 2 proceedings will be available on the Bill page.
The Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee agreed on 20 November 2025, under Standing Order 26.21, that the order of consideration for Stage 2 proceedings would be:
Sections 1-8; Schedule 1; Sections 9-10; Schedule 2; Sections 11-28; Schedule 3; Sections 29-43; Schedule 4; Sections 44-45; Long Title.
Minutes:
Amendment 165 (Delyth Jewell MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
Delyth
Jewell MS |
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
As
the vote was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in the negative (in
accordance with SO 6.20(ii)). Therefore amendment 165 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 55 (Janet Finch-Saunders MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Delyth
Jewell MS |
|
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
|
|
|
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
|
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
|
Jenny Rathbone
MS |
|
|
Amendment
55 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 56 (Janet Finch-Saunders MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Delyth
Jewell MS |
|
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
|
|
|
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
|
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
|
Jenny Rathbone
MS |
|
|
Amendment
56 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 3 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 4 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 121 (Delyth Jewell MS) was not moved.
Amendment 5 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 6 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 122 (Delyth Jewell MS) was not moved.
Amendment 123 (Delyth Jewell MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
Delyth
Jewell MS |
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
As
the vote was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in the negative (in
accordance with SO 6.20(ii)). Therefore amendment 123 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 124 (Delyth Jewell MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
Delyth Jewell
MS |
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
As
the vote was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in the negative (in
accordance with SO 6.20(ii)). Therefore amendment 124 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 125 (Delyth Jewell MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
Delyth
Jewell MS |
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
As
the vote was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in the negative (in
accordance with SO 6.20(ii)). Therefore amendment 125 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment 7 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 8 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 50 (Carolyn Thomas MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 51 (Carolyn Thomas MS) was agreed in accordance
with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 9 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
|
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
|
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
|
Janet
Finch-Saunders MS |
|
|
|
Delyth
Jewell MS |
|
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
|
|
|
Amendment
9 was agreed. |
||
As amendment 9 was agreed, amendment 57 (Janet
Finch-Saunders MS) fell.
Amendment 10 (Huw Irranca-Davies MS) was agreed in
accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).
Amendment 58 (Janet Finch-Saunders MS)
|
In
Favour |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Janet Finch-Saunders
MS |
Carolyn
Thomas MS |
|
|
Delyth
Jewell MS |
Julie
Morgan MS |
|
|
Llyr
Gruffydd MS |
Jenny
Rathbone MS |
|
|
As
the vote was tied, the Chair used his casting vote in the negative (in
accordance with SO 6.20(ii)). Therefore amendment 58 was not agreed. |
||
Amendment ... view the full minutes text for item 2
Meeting: 26/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 26/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 26/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 6)
- Webcast for 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
6 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Order of consideration at Stage 2
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 24 , View reasons restricted (6/1)
Minutes:
6.1 The Committee agreed the Order of Consideration.
Meeting: 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 20/11/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- Response from Gareth Thomas, Louise Steel and Luci Attala to the Committee's Stage 1 report on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, item 3
PDF 85 KB
- Interim letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to the Chair in relation to the Committee’s Stage 1 report on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, item 3
PDF 186 KB
Meeting: 17/11/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 10)
- Webcast for 17/11/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 17/11/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
10 Correspondence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- LJC(6)-32-25 - Paper 20 – Letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 10 November 2025, item 10
PDF 187 KB
- LJC(6)-32-25 - Paper 34 – Written Statement by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 14 November 2025, item 10
PDF 281 KB
View as HTML (10/2) 29 KB
- LJC(6)-32-25 - Paper 35 – Letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 14 November 2025, item 10
PDF 245 KB
Minutes:
The Committee noted the correspondence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Meeting: 11/11/2025 - Plenary - Sixth Senedd (Item 8)
The financial resolution in respect of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
NDM9039 Huw
Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)
To propose that Senedd Cymru, for the purposes of any provisions
resulting from the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity
Targets) (Wales) Bill, agrees to any increase in expenditure of a kind referred
to in Standing Order 26.69, arising in consequence of the Bill.
Supporting documents:
Report of
the Finance Committee
Government
response to the Finance Committee report
Minutes:
The
item started at 17.23
Voting
on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.
NDM9039
Huw Irranca-Davies
(Ogmore)
To
propose that Senedd Cymru, for the purposes of any provisions resulting from
the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill,
agrees to any increase in expenditure of a kind referred to in Standing Order
26.69, arising in consequence of the Bill.
The
result was as follows:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
50 |
0 |
1 |
51 |
The
motion was agreed.
Meeting: 11/11/2025 - Plenary - Sixth Senedd (Item 7)
The general principles of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
NDM9038 Huw
Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)
To propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:
Agrees to the general principles of the Environment (Principles,
Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill.
The Environment
(Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill and Explanatory
Memorandum were laid before the Senedd on 2 June 2025;
the report of the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee on
the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
was laid before the Senedd on 24 October 2025.
Supporting documents:
Report of
the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Report of
the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
Minutes:
The
item started at 17.23
Voting
on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.
NDM9038
Huw Irranca-Davies
(Ogmore)
To
propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:
Agrees
to the general principles of the Environment (Principles, Governance and
Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill.
The Environment
(Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill and Explanatory
Memorandum were laid before the
Senedd on 2 June 2025; the report of the Climate Change, Environment, and
Infrastructure Committee on the Environment (Principles, Governance and
Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill was laid before the Senedd on 24 October 2025.
The
result was as follows:
|
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
|
50 |
0 |
1 |
51 |
The
motion was agreed.
Meeting: 05/11/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 05/11/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 05/11/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 PTN 10 - Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Welsh Government response to the Finance Committee's report - 31 October 2025
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 20/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 9)
- Webcast for 20/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 20/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
9 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Draft report
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 47 , View reasons restricted (9/1)
Minutes:
The Committee agreed its draft report subject to minor changes.
Meeting: 16/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 1)
- Webcast for 16/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 16/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
1 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Consideration of the Committee's Stage 1 draft report
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 51 , View reasons restricted (1/1)
Minutes:
1.1 Members agreed the draft report subject to a few minor amendments.
Meeting: 13/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 10)
- Webcast for 13/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 13/10/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
10 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Draft report
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 55 , View reasons restricted (10/1)
Minutes:
The Committee considered its draft report and agreed to consider a revised version at its next meeting.
Meeting: 09/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 09/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 09/10/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 01/10/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 8)
- Webcast for 01/10/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 01/10/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
8 Financial implications of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Consideration of draft report
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 63 , View reasons restricted (8/1)
Minutes:
8.1 The Committee considered its report and agreed it with minor changes.
Meeting: 22/09/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 6)
- Webcast for 22/09/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 22/09/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
6 Correspondence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
Minutes:
The Committee noted the correspondence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Meeting: 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 6)
- Webcast for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
6 Consideration of key issues arising from Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 71 , View reasons restricted (6/1)
Minutes:
6.1 The Committee considered the key issues paper and agreed conclusions and recommendations.
Meeting: 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 4)
- Webcast for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
4 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- Response from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change to the Chair in relation to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, item 4
PDF 423 KB
- Supplementary written evidence from Green Alliance in relation to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, item 4
PDF 193 KB
- Supplementary written evidence from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to the Chair in relation to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets (Wales) Bill, item 4
PDF 89 KB
Meeting: 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with the Welsh Local Government Association
Jean-Francois Dulong, Senior Policy Officer (Climate Change Mitigation & adaptation) - Welsh Local Government Association
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 81 , View reasons restricted (2/1)
- Paper - Welsh Local Government Association, item 2
PDF 106 KB
Minutes:
2.1 The Committee received evidence from a representative of the Welsh Local Government Association.
Meeting: 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 18/09/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Naomi Matthiessen, Bill Senior Responsible Owner and Policy lead for Governance and Principles, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division - Welsh Government
Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity Division, Policy lead for Biodiversity - Welsh Government
Dorian Brunt, Lead Lawyer, Legal Services, Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill Lead Lawyer - Welsh Government
Joel Scoberg-Evans, Lawyer, Legal Services, Lead Lawyer for the Biodiversity provisions - Welsh Government
Minutes:
3.1 The Committee received evidence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs and his officials.
Meeting: 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with environmental organisations
Ruth Chambers, Senior Fellow - Green Alliance
Annie Smith, Head of Nature Policy and Casework - RSPB Cymru
Alexander Phillips, Policy & Advocacy Manager - WWF Cymru
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: consultation responses
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 88 , View reasons restricted (2/1)
- Restricted enclosure 89 , View reasons restricted (2/2)
- Paper - Green Alliance, item 2
PDF 157 KB
- Paper - RSPB Cymru, item 2
PDF 210 KB
- Paper - WWF Cymru, item 2
PDF 122 KB
Minutes:
2.1 The Committee received evidence from environmental organisations.
Meeting: 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 5)
- Webcast for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
5 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with public bodies
Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management Policy -
Natural Resources Wales
Neil Parker, Team
Leader, Biodiversity Policy & Strategy - Natural Resources Wales
Beth Stoker, Director of International Evidence and Advice - Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Supporting documents:
- Paper - Natural Resources Wales, item 3
PDF 144 KB
- Paper - Joint Nature Conservation Committee, item 3
PDF 94 KB
Minutes:
3.1 The Committee received evidence from public bodies.
Meeting: 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 4)
- Webcast for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 17/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
4 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Derek Walker - Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Rhiannon Hardiman, Policy Lead Climate, Nature, Economy and Food - Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Supporting documents:
Minutes:
4.1 The Committee received evidence from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Meeting: 14/07/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 5)
- Webcast for 14/07/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 14/07/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
5 Correspondence to the Welsh Government: Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
- LJC(6)-23-25 - Paper 22 - Letter to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 9 July 2025, item 5
PDF 170 KB
- LJC(6)-23-25 - Paper 23 - Letter from the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, 8 July 2025, item 5
PDF 137 KB
Minutes:
The Committee noted the correspondence to the Welsh Government.
Meeting: 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with environmental bodies
Lynda Warren, Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for
Wales - IEPAW
John Henderson, Deputy Interim Environmental Protection
Assessor - IEPAW
Dame Glenys Stacey, Chair - Office for Environmental
Protection
Natalie Prosser, Chief Executive Officer - Office for
Environmental Protection
Mark Roberts, Chief Executive - Environmental Standards Scotland
Supporting documents:
- Paper - Office for Environmental Protection, item 3
PDF 263 KB
- Paper - Environmental Standards Scotland, item 3
PDF 117 KB
Minutes:
3.1 The Committee received evidence from environmental bodies.
Meeting: 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 09/07/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with academics
Professor Steve Ormerod, Professor in Ecology - Cardiff University
Dr Victoria Jenkins, Associate Professor, Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law - Swansea University
Dr Viviane Gravey, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics - Queens University Belfast
Professor Robert Lee, Director of Education for the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice at the University of Birmingham – on behalf of the UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA)
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: consultation responses
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 119 , View reasons restricted (2/1)
- Paper - Professor Steve Ormerod, item 2
PDF 117 KB
- Paper - Dr Victoria Jenkins, item 2
PDF 180 KB
- Paper - Dr Viviane Gravey and Prof Ludivine Petetin, item 2
PDF 193 KB
- Paper - UK Environmental Law Association, item 2
PDF 286 KB
Minutes:
2.1 The Committee received evidence from academics.
Meeting: 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 5)
- Webcast for 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
Financial implications of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Consideration of evidence
Minutes:
5.1 The Committee considered the evidence received.
Meeting: 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 02/07/2025 - Finance Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Financial implications of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Evidence session
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Welsh Government
Naomi Matthiessen, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and
Forestry Division, Welsh Government
Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity Division, Welsh Government
Supporting documents:
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as introduced (PDF 413KB)
Explanatory Memorandum (PDF 2.2MB)
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 129 , View reasons restricted (3/1)
Minutes:
3.1 The Committee took evidence on the financial implications of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Welsh Government; Naomi Matthiessen, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division, Welsh Government; and Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity Division, Welsh Government.
Meeting: 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 7)
- Webcast for 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Consideration of evidence
Minutes:
The Committee considered the evidence it heard from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs in relation to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill. The Committee agreed to write to the Deputy First Minister with questions not reached in the session.
Meeting: 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 30/06/2025 - Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill: Evidence Session with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as introduced
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Naomi Matthiessen, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division, Welsh Government
Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity Division, Welsh Government
Bernadette Payne, Lawyer, Legal Services, Welsh Government
Joel Scoberg-Evans, Lawyer, Legal Services, Welsh Government
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 135 , View reasons restricted (2/1)
- LJC(6)-21-25 - Paper 2 - Submission from Green Alliance, item 2
PDF 192 KB
Minutes:
The Committee received evidence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs in relation to the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill. The Committee also noted a submission from the Green Alliance in relation the Bill.
Meeting: 26/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 2)
- Webcast for 26/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 26/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
2 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Evidence session with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Naomi Matthiessen, Bill Senior Responsible Owner and Policy
lead for Governance and Principles, Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and
Forestry Division - Welsh Government
Alice Teague, Deputy Director, Marine and Biodiversity
Division, Policy lead for Biodiversity - Welsh Government
Dorian Brunt, Lead Lawyer, Legal Services, Environment
(Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill Lead Lawyer -
Welsh Government
Joel Scoberg-Evans, Lawyer, Legal Services, Lead Lawyer for the Biodiversity provisions - Welsh Government
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill – Bill Summary (PDF 1.05MB)
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as introduced (PDF 413KB)
Explanatory Memorandum (incorporating the Regulatory Impact Assessment) (PDF 2.2MB)
Supporting documents:
- Restricted enclosure 140 , View reasons restricted (2/1)
Minutes:
2.1 The Committee received evidence from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs and his officials.
Meeting: 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 3)
- Webcast for 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
3 Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill
Supporting documents:
Meeting: 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd (Item 5)
- Webcast for 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
- Transcript for 11/06/2025 - Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee - Sixth Senedd
5 Stage 1 scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Technical briefing
Naomi Matthiessen, Bill Senior Responsible Owner and Policy lead for Governance and Principles,
Deputy Director, Landscapes, Nature and Forestry Division - Welsh Government
Matt Edwards, Legislative Policy Lead - Welsh Government
Eifiona Williams, Head of Programmes, Biodiversity - Welsh Government
Karen Stothard, Head of International Biodiversity - Welsh Government
Joel Scoberg, Lawyer – Legal Services - Welsh Government
Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as introduced (PDF 413KB)
Explanatory Memorandum (PDF 2.2MB)
Statement of policy intent (PDF 350KB)
Supporting documents:
- Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, as introduced, item 5
PDF 413 KB
- Explanatory Memorandum (incorporating the Regulatory Impact Assessment), item 5
PDF 2 MB
Minutes:
5.1 The Committee received evidence from Welsh Government officials.