New Zealand Celsias

The Government says a proposal to lower air quality standards is all about being fair to business.

Environment Minister Nick Smith has claimed “hundreds of business and thousands of jobs” will be at risk if changes are not made to air quality standards implemented by the previous Government.

Dr Smith says the existing standard of only one exceedance of standards a year is unrealistic, and unfairly punishes businesses when the vast bulk of pollution comes from home fires and motor vehicles.

Yesterday he released a discussion document proposing amendments to the National Air Quality Standard, which proposes to increase the numbers of yearly exceedences to three.

Though consistent with World Health Organisation standards, this will still require substantial work in 15 airsheds covering 45 percent of New Zealand’s population where exceedances are as high as 91 per year, says Dr Smith.

Current regulations also prohibit any new consents or consent renewals for industry after 2013 in airsheds that exceed the standard - the Ministry estimating this would put 233 businesses employing over 17,000 staff at risk.

The Government is proposing to put the date forward to “a more realistic 2018 and a compliance regime that does not unfairly penalise business,” says Smith.

“These changes are about improving air quality but in a pragmatic and realistic way. It will ensure we do not put thousands of jobs at risk or unnecessarily ban home burners and open fires in areas with only occasional air quality problems.”

The discussion document also proposes mandatory air quality reporting to Government by councils. If progress is not being made, the Minister will be able to use powers under the RMA to force action for councils.

Public submissions on the document can be made until July 9.

For the technical advisory group report, Cabinet paper and discussion document click here.