EXPERTS BEGIN CRITIQUE OF NEW AND EXISTING REGULATIONS

Experts in the public and private sectors have begun deliberations on new and existing regulations developed by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency,

Flagging off the Expert Critique Meeting of the draft National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2020, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Aliyu Jauro said a regulation for the battery sector had become necessary owing to the increase in the use of battery.

Prof Jauro observed there was a “gradual build-up in battery usage by various sectors ranging from the renewable energy industry, the telecommunication industry, the built industry, and other industrial sectors towards ensuring sustainable energy solutions in their operations”.

He said with the global inclination towards electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, the challenge would be in environmentally sound management of used batteries, which would promote circular economy and create jobs, hence the need for the regulation.

The National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2020 was developed by NESREA in collaboration with Heinrich Boll and The Association of Responsible Battery Recyclers,

On the second day of the Review, experts brainstormed on the National Environmental (Hazardous Chemical and Pesticides Sector) Regulations, S.I. No. 65 of 2014. Prof Jauro said the 6-year-old regulation was being reviewed in line with global best practices and to incorporate emerging concerns in the sector such as Mercury and Lead.