The Programmatic Approach; A Flexible and Complex Tool to Achieve Environmental Quality Standards

12 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2012

See all articles by M.N. Boeve

M.N. Boeve

University of Amsterdam - Amsterdam Centre for Environmental Law and Sustainability

Berthy van den Broek

Utrecht University - School of Law; Utrecht University - Centre for Environmental Law and Policy

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the integrated or programmatic approaches at both the European and national level, which are used as a tool to attain environmental quality standards. These approaches leave much room for flexibility with respect to the choice of measures to be adopted in order to achieve the quality standards. However, difficulties can arise while implementing the integrated or programmatic approach. Instruments or measures which are laid down in other relevant EU legislation can for instance restrict flexibility in the choice of measures. Furthermore, the polluter pays principle requires a fair allocation of costs in situations where multiple polluters have contributed to the pollution. In the Netherlands the principle of égalité devant les charges publiques applies. In principle, polluters will not have a right to compensation for the costs of environmental measures. However, in special circumstances, liability in damages based on a breach of égalité could be an issue.

Keywords: environmental quality standards, programmatic approach, air quality, the polluter pays principle, égalité devant les charges publiques, best available techniques

Suggested Citation

Boeve, M.N. and van den Broek, Berthy and van den Broek, Berthy, The Programmatic Approach; A Flexible and Complex Tool to Achieve Environmental Quality Standards (2012). Utrecht Law Review, Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 74-85, November 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2182534

M.N. Boeve (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam - Amsterdam Centre for Environmental Law and Sustainability ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1012
Netherlands

Berthy Van den Broek

Utrecht University - Centre for Environmental Law and Policy ( email )

Domplein 29
Utrecht, 3512
Netherlands

Utrecht University - School of Law ( email )

3508 TC Utrecht
Utrecht
Netherlands

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