Ban on wood stoves? The truth of it all
Ban on wood stoves? The truth of it all
No doubt you will have all seen some misleading headlines about a possible ban on wood stoves. Here, we identify the truth behind the headlines and what you can tell customers who might have seen the headlines.
On the 22nd May 2018 the Environment Secretary Michael Gove published a Clean Air Strategy 2018 which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation. What does the strategy say and how will it impact you and your customers?
The new strategy, which went out for consultation during August 2018, is a key part of Defra’s 25 Year Plan to leave our environment in a better state than we found it. HETAS and Woodsure have all been consulting with Defra for some time now and once again Defra has clarified they are not looking to implement a ban on wood stoves.
No ban on wood stoves | The key points
The Clean Air Strategy summarises actions to reduce emissions from domestic burning, clearly identifying there is no intention to ban wood burning stoves. Here are the key points:
- Legislate to prohibit sale of the most polluting fuels.
- Ensure that only the cleanest stoves are available for sale by 2022.
- Give new powers to local authorities to take action in areas of high pollution, bringing legislation into the 21st century with more flexible, proportionate enforcement powers.
- Work with industry to identify an appropriate test standard for new solid fuels entering the market.
- Ensure that consumers understand what they can do to reduce their impact from burning.
The strategy also suggests Defra will give local authorities powers to go further in areas of high pollution, for example exploring what further steps government can take to enable local authorities to encourage ‘no burn days’ during high-pollution episodes.
Cleaner Fuels Announcement
February 2020
On Friday 21st February 2020 Defra announced their response on their cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood consultation. The consultation took place between August and October 2018 and focused on England only.
The announcement focuses on wood, coal and smokeless fuels. Click here to read our in depth analysis of the Defra Cleaner Fuels announcement.
Stay tuned to the HETAS website, newsletters and social media channels for regular updates. Click here to get in touch with the team.
Latest Updates | Summary
21st February 2020: Defra’s Cleaner Fuels Announcement explained.
14th October 2019: Government announces the Environment Bill, click here to find out more about the Bill.
14th January 2019: With the Government publishing it’s Clean Air Strategy 2019, click here to see the most recent news regarding wood burning stoves.
