Committee
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee 26 March 2019
26 Mar 2019 · S5 · Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
Item of business
Subordinate Legislation
Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc) Order 2019 [Draft]
We are discussing that matter with UK ministers. We are awaiting clarity on what exit from the EU might look like. Of course, those of us who wish to remain in the EU still hope that there is a slim chance that we might do so, but, if we are to leave, we will need to know what the landscape will look like. Across a number of measures that affect the energy sector, including environmental impact assessments and other matters that affect colleagues in the environment portfolio, we are still seeking clarity on the long-term relationship with the EU that the UK wishes to have. The Scottish Government believes that we should maintain the regulations that have been developed for good reason during our membership of the EU, and we certainly support retention of the EU emissions trading system and other measures that support the development of the renewable energy sector. There is a great deal of consensus in that regard, not just in the Scottish Parliament, but in other legislatures across the UK, and we are keen for that to continue. We are trying to ensure that the directive is adhered to. It might seem odd that we are doing that work during the on-going Brexit negotiations, but we do not yet know when—or even if—the UK will leave the EU, so it is important that we comply with the regulations and directives that are placed upon us.
In the same item of business
The Convener (Gillian Martin)
SNP
Welcome to the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee’s 11th meeting in 2019. I remind everyone to switch off their mobile phones as they migh...
The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse)
SNP
I have some very brief opening comments, convener. Good morning, everyone. I thank the committee for inviting me to talk about the draft order. The aim of t...
The Convener
SNP
Thank you very much.
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
At some point, the directive and the source regulations will change in the European Union. What are the Government’s plans for staying in regulatory alignmen...
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
We are discussing that matter with UK ministers. We are awaiting clarity on what exit from the EU might look like. Of course, those of us who wish to remain ...
Mark Ruskell
Green
Is there the potential for regulatory divergence from the rest of the UK in relation to the EIA regulations?
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
I always take the view that Scotland should do what is right for Scotland. I am in Parliament to do what is right for Scotland’s people and environment. If i...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
SNP
I have a question on a related point that you may or may not be briefed on, although Mark Christie might be. Might a similar issue arise in relation to secti...
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
I follow Mr Stevenson’s logic. For the record, I point out that we are supportive of the NorthConnect project between Norway and either Mr Stevenson’s or Ms ...
Mark Christie (Marine Scotland)
If it is okay with the committee, I will look into that and get back to you. Off the top of my head, I am not sure whether the issue applies to section 37. I...
Joanna Dingwall (Scottish Government)
I agree with Mark Christie—we would need to look into the issue and write back to the committee.
Stewart Stevenson
SNP
I am content with that, convener. I just wanted to get the issue on the record when we had the opportunity.
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
It is worth restating that the section 36 issue is a specific loophole or area where clarity is required that was identified in a review, and that is why we ...
The Convener
SNP
Thank you for answering those questions, minister. We move on to agenda item 2, which is consideration of motion S5M-16387. Motion moved, That the Enviro...
The Convener
SNP
Are members content for me to sign off the committee’s report on the draft order? Members indicated agreement. 09:38 Meeting suspended. 09:39 On resuming—