Worldwide Emerging Environmental Issues Affecting the U.S. Military. February 2007 Report
Abstract
The EU Commission has proposed that environmental crimes such as pollution with hazardous substances, illegal dumping of waste, or performing environmentally "dangerous activity" be treated as criminal offenses with minimum levels of punishment that could reach prison sentences or fines for serious cases. By applying the "polluter pays" principle, European courts could also put offenders out of business or order them to clean up the environment. If the proposal is approved by the European Parliament and member governments, it will become law for all 27 member nations. This would be the first criminal law drafted by the Commission after a 2005 EU Court of Justice ruling that the Commission has the power to draft criminal laws and decide what constitutes a crime, notably in the area of the environment. Environmental groups welcomed the plan but said the list of punishable crimes should be expanded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA528352