Cantabria aprueba Ley de Control Ambiental con unidad de inspección
The Cantabria Government has approved the project of the Environmental Control Law of Cantabria, which includes a specific inspection unit. In case of irregularities, the activity can be closed, projects confiscated, fines of up to 500,000 euros imposed, and disqualifications of up to two years. This announcement was made by the Minister of Development, Housing, Land Planning, and Urbanism, Roberto Media, during a press conference. Currently, the Ministry has four inspectors, but a specific unit will be created to focus solely on verifying the submitted documents.
The text of the law, which will now be sent to Parliament for further processing, has received only seven allegations during the public information process. The majority of these have been incorporated into the final text due to their constructive tone and clear purpose of improvement. The work done by the previous government provided the basis for this final text, which has been further developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs and civil society to streamline administrative processes.
The new law aims at simplifying administrative procedures to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate redundancies, and avoid unnecessary requirements for citizens, aligning with national regulations for any environmentally controlled activity. It is expected to replace the outdated 2006 law and promote industrial and economic development in Cantabria while ensuring environmental protection, as well as the health and safety of individuals.
One significant feature of this law is the reduction of processing times for environmental authorizations. The introduction of a new annex clearly distinguishes projects requiring a simple declaration of responsibility from those needing environmental verification. This will minimize waiting times for low environmental impact issues and maintain environmental standards through subsequent administrative checks.
For projects with more environmental significance, the Environmental Control Commission will be replaced by an authorization directly issued by the Directorate General of the Environment. This streamlined process will involve gathering sector-specific reports, conducting public consultations, and ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations before any actions are taken.
The law also establishes that the Community will oversee and monitor Integrated Environmental Authorizations (AAIs), environmental assessments, and environmental verification approvals, relieving municipalities of administrative burdens. Local authorities will retain their responsibilities for monitoring and controlling activities subject to environmental verification.
The Directorate General of the Environment will focus on inspection activities through the Integrated Environmental Authorization Inspection Plan and Integrated Environmental Inspection Programs. These initiatives will introduce precautionary measures and potential activity suspensions for severe violations, with fines ranging from 200 euros for minor offenses to 500,000 euros for very serious violations, in accordance with national legislation.
Additionally, the new law allows for urgent provisional measures in cases requiring immediate administrative action due to serious risks.
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