Chris Evans MP
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ISLWYN
Environment
ENVIRONMENT ISSUES
Highest Nitrogen Levels Outside of London
In Islwyn residents have been impacted by the effects of poor environmental protection. In Crumlin, on the A472 Hafodyrynys Road, residents’ houses have now been purchased by the council. The road registered the highest nitrogen dioxide levels in the country outside of London. The levels of nitrogen dioxide are almost double the legal limit. This is completely unacceptable.
Another environmental concern in Islwyn is the proposed Nine Mile Point waste transfer facility. Plans were originally approved in 2015. In 2017 I called on Natural Resources Wales to review these plans due to huge concerns raised by residents.
A valley like the Sirhowy is no place to build a polluting facility like this. The high likelihood that toxic gases will be trapped in the area by the mountains is too much of a risk to the health and wellbeing of residents. I continue to support the excellent Lower Sirhowy Valley residents group in their work to prevent this facility from opening.
ENVIRONMENT ISSUES
Proud to Support Strong Environmental Protections
However, there is always cause for hope, and for me, this is provided by the young people in schools throughout Islwyn. This is particularly true of the brilliant Waunfawr Primary School environment committee. I was proud to see them be presented with the Green Apple Award at a ceremony in Parliament in 2019. They also won the praise of the Business Minister in 2020.
Throughout my time in Parliament, I have been proud to support strong environmental protections. I recently co-sponsored a proposed clean air bill that would commit the UK to achieve World Health Organisation limits on air pollution by 2030. I have also participated in a Parliamentary debate on Clean Energy Investment when I stressed that investment in the clean energy sector is absolutely vital if Britain is to be a world leader in clean energy.
As your MP I will always stand up for environmental protections in Parliament.