30 Novembre 2012
Today the Italian Government has adopted a decree law to make sure the Ilva steel plant of Taranto, Europe’s biggest, respects the highest health and environmental standards whilst continuing to operate.
The decree gives the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA) granted by the government in October the status of a law in order to ensure the company complies with its obligations, authorizing it at the same time to resume production. The decree appoints an external and independent observer who will monitor and ensure that Ilva adheres precisely to the environmental regulations put into place. It also foresees sanctions in case of disrespect of the investment plan needed for the clean-up operations. The board of directors of Ilva retain the management and responsibility of the firm.
The decree law is immediately applicable. It is fully compatible with, and in full respect of, the judiciary decisions.
The decree culminates a consultation process between the government, the authorities concerned and the company’s owners that started earlier this year. On Thursday, the government held a meeting with the main representatives from the industry and the labour unions. Members of the local administrations were also present.
The AIA anticipated by four years, in Italy, the respect of the objectives defined by the European Union in terms of best available technologies to enforce environmental standards in the sector.
“This decree will make the respect of the environment and the health of citizens a priority whist maintaining in activity one of Italy’s leading firms in a sector that is key to the overal economy”, said Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.
