Air pollution: strategy for reducing methane emissions

In adopting the report by Mr Pedro MARSET CAMPOS (GUE/NGL, E) Parliament welcomed the Commission communication and proposed the drawing up at European level of a range of regulations with a view to encouraging and promoting any actions which could have a direct or indirect effect on reducing methane emissions. Parliament also called on the Commission: - to draw up a detailed study assessing the scale and effects on the territory of the EU of methane emissions; - to make preparations for the establishment of a European climate agency as a means of coordinating public and private climate protection measures; - to give priority to repairs for old pipelines in the deployment of Community Funds in third countries, and in particular in the former Soviet Union; - to submit proposals on tax concessions for European undertakings that demonstrably contribute to reducing CH4 emissions in third countries; - to adopt quantified reduction values for these emissions and to summarize the measures proposed by it in a qualified and timetabled action plan; - to submit innovative proposals concerning waste disposal legislation; - to take into account the problem of methane emissions in the assessment of the various proposals for the reform of the common agricultural policy; - to encourage greater public awareness through recommendations to the education sector. �