Tbilisi: At the meeting of the Parliament’s Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee, the Georgian Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili presented the legislative draft On Industrial Emissions for discussion.
The On Industrial Emissions Bill aims to transfer the European Parliament and the Council of Europe directive on industrial emissions into national legislation, which, in turn, is an obligation provided by the Georgian-EU association agreement.
The EU directive on “industrial emissions” regulates the activities of large industrial facilities that pose a high risk of environmental pollution. Metallic and chemical industry plants, as well as thermal power plants and others are considered such objects. The directive considers a number of high responsibilities.
“The system, which is planned to be implemented in the country according to the bill, means the necessity to have integrated permits for existing and new industrial facilities.” It is important for the enterprise to prioritize the environmental conditions under which it has to operate, such as atmospheric emissions and reduction of air pollution by enterprises, prevention of water pollution, waste pollution and preventive measures against soil pollution,” stated the Deputy Minister of environment and agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili.
Concerning that regulations are complex, reasonable terms are defined. In particular, from 2026, any new enterprise that decides to start business in specific sectors specified by the law will be granted an integrated permit, and from 2029, the liability will be applied to existing and active enterprises.
The bill considers the implementation of a number of new technologies in enterprises. Important steps have already been taken in this direction.
It is noteworthy that the integrated licensing process will be connected to the EPA permit process, which means simplified procedures for the enterprise.
