New rules for hydrometeorological activities: what the bill recommended for adoption will change
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management recommended the parliament to adopt as a basis the bill on hydrometeorological activities (No. 15347), which provides for updating legislation to strengthen the state’s readiness to respond to threats related to the possible use of weapons of mass destruction and accidents at hazardous facilities.
During the Committee meeting, deputies considered the bill proposing to revise the Law of Ukraine "On Hydrometeorological Activities" in a new edition, as well as to amend the Water Code of Ukraine, the Civil Protection Code of Ukraine, and the Law of Ukraine "On the Red Cross Society of Ukraine."
Following the discussion, the Committee recommended the Verkhovna Rada to adopt the document in the first reading with further refinement of its provisions in accordance with the requirements of the Verkhovna Rada Regulations.
The Committee also reviewed the Accounting Chamber’s report on the results of an efficiency audit titled "Flood Management – Assessment of the Use of Hydrometeorological Data for Disaster Preparedness."
Based on the review, the government was recommended to designate a central executive body responsible for forming state policy in the field of flood risk management, as well as the body that will ensure the implementation of the provisions of Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers was proposed to work out legislative changes necessary for creating a water governance system in accordance with European Union law and the principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Separately, the Committee recommended granting powers regarding participation in the development, updating, and implementation of flood risk management plans, taking into account changes in legislation in the field of water management, management, use, and reproduction of surface water resources.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Economy, State Emergency Service, State Water Agency, and Ukrhydrometcenter were recommended to continue implementing the Accounting Chamber’s recommendations to reduce risks to people’s lives and health, territories, infrastructure, and the environment.
Additionally, the Committee reviewed information from the Cabinet of Ministers on the implementation of state policy in the field of climate change, the execution of Ukraine’s Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as climate adaptation measures.
Following the review, the government was recommended to ensure timely implementation of measures provided by Ukraine’s Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy until 2050 and the National Energy and Climate Plan, strengthen interagency coordination, accelerate the development of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and sectoral programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
The Cabinet of Ministers was also recommended to inform the Verkhovna Rada about the status of implementation of the Law of Ukraine "On the Basic Principles of State Climate Policy," particularly regarding Ukraine’s fulfillment of international obligations in the field of climate change and within the framework of the Energy Community Treaty.
Recall that in Ukraine it was decided to strengthen protection against chemical, biological, and radiation threats and modernize the hydrometeorological monitoring system. For this purpose, bill No. 15347 "On Hydrometeorological Activities" was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.
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