Environmental Law FoundationEnvironmental Law Foundation

Power Up Power Up

Rights and JusticeRights and Justice

Friends of the Earth: 5-7 August Friends of the Earth: 5-7 August 20052005

What is ELF?What is ELF?

The UK’s leading charity providing legal The UK’s leading charity providing legal advice on environmental issues to advice on environmental issues to all all members of the public and community members of the public and community

150 referral members150 referral members

250 additional members 250 additional members

A team of highly qualified volunteersA team of highly qualified volunteers

How does ELF help?How does ELF help?

Advice and Advice and ReferralsReferrals

Community Community OutreachOutreach

Campaigns and Campaigns and PublicationsPublications

Who has ELF helped?Who has ELF helped?

…… …… in 2004-2005in 2004-2005::

> 1,000 enquiries > 1,000 enquiries

> 250,000 people > 250,000 people

What Types of Case?What Types of Case?

Other

Phone masts

Air pollution/ odours

Flood

Human health

Water pollution

Waste

Land

Noise pollution

Secondary referral

Other

ConservationBuilt

environment/ cultural sites

Where does ELF help?Where does ELF help?

EasternWales

South West

Greater London

Midlands

North East

North West

Other

South East

UK

Who does ELF help?Who does ELF help?

Asian British

N. Irish

Other Black British

Scottish

Mixed Group

European

Welsh

English

Key LegislationKey Legislation International: Aarhus Convention 1998: International: Aarhus Convention 1998:

Convention on Access to Information , Public Convention on Access to Information , Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters – Justice in Environmental Matters – adopted in June adopted in June 1998 (UNECE)1998 (UNECE)

European: European: Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental informationenvironmental information

UK:UK: Freedom of Information Act 2000 Freedom of Information Act 2000

UK: UK: Environmental Information Regulations 2004Environmental Information Regulations 2004

Other: SEA, EIA, Planning etcOther: SEA, EIA, Planning etc

How to Take ActionHow to Take Action

Be aware that there is help out thereBe aware that there is help out there Start as soon as possibleStart as soon as possible Ask for adviceAsk for advice Understand the issues, your duties Understand the issues, your duties

and rightsand rights Link up with local peopleLink up with local people

Environmental Law FoundationEnvironmental Law Foundation

… … securing environmental and securing environmental and social justice for all….social justice for all….