Nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands have been too high for years. New measures are regularly taken to do something about this. From lowering the speed limit on the highway to the construction exemption: we give you an overview of the most important measures and the consequences of recent years.
2015: birth of the PAS
The Nitrogen Approach Program (PAS) is being established. On the basis of the PAS, permission can be given in advance for projects that may cause damage in protected nature areas due to nitrogen emissions. The idea is that the nitrogen that is released during this process is later compensated for by measures to restore nature.
May 2019: Cross the PAS
The Council of State believes that the government does not protect vulnerable nature areas enough against nitrogen. It is also not clear whether the recovery measures really help. The issuing of permits in advance on the basis of the PAS is immediately prohibited. In one fell swoop, hundreds of construction projects come to a standstill and permits for farmers are uncertain.
September 2019: Halve emissions
The Advisory Board on Nitrogen Problems has issued a recommendation to halve nitrogen emissions in more than ten years. The reduction of the livestock population is mentioned as a measure, among other things.
October 2019: Series of farmers’ protests
Farmers are flocking to the Malieveld in The Hague to protest against the advice. This is followed by a handful of protests, including at the provincial government house in Den Bosch, Eindhoven Airport and supermarket distribution centers in Brabant.
Because many construction projects are still at a standstill, the construction sector is also protesting in The Hague.
February 2020: Money available
The cabinet is making money available to farmers who want to make their stables more sustainable. In addition, 350 million euros will be released to buy out farmers who want to. But there are hardly any farmers who are interested in that. The first farm in Brabant will not be bought out until September 2022, for an amount of 2.5 million euros.
March 2020: Speed limit down
The speed limit on the highways will be reduced to 100 kilometers per hour between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.
July 2021: New nitrogen law
The new nitrogen law comes into effect. All sectors must help to halve nitrogen emissions by 2030. In addition, the so-called construction exemption is being created, as a result of which some construction projects in the vicinity of vulnerable nature areas are still permitted.
A week later, farmers move to the provincial government in Den Bosch. They will discuss the nitrogen regulations and the permits of other companies with the King’s Commissioner Ina Adema.
June 2022: Nitrogen plans and protests
Minister Christianne van der Wal of Nature and Nitrogen comes up with new nitrogen plans. Emissions must be reduced by 70 percent in large parts of the country, which could mean that many farmers around nature reserves have to stop their business. A map will also be published with areas showing how much nitrogen must be reduced per area.
The plans lead to several protests throughout the Netherlands. Farmers visit Minister Van der Wal at home several times. Tens of thousands of farmers also gather in Stroe, Gelderland, for one of the largest farmers’ protests. Farmers want to make it clear here that the government’s nitrogen plans are not feasible and will hit farmers hard.
July 2022: Mediator Remkes
Johan Remkes will act as a mediator in the talks between farmers and the cabinet about the nitrogen plans, in order to get the conversation going between both parties.
October 2022: Report by Remkes
Remkes will present his long-awaited report on the nitrogen crisis on 5 October. This states, among other things, that the 2030 deadline for halving nitrogen emissions must be adhered to. And within a year, five hundred to six hundred livestock farms (peak loaders) in vulnerable nature areas must be bought out.
November 2022: Strike through construction exemption
The Council of State is canceling the construction exemption, which has been in effect since 1 July 2021. From now on, construction projects must again apply for a nature permit for the construction, construction and demolition of houses, energy projects and roads, among other things. This has major consequences for construction projects in Brabant.
ALSO READ:
Here’s what you need to know to understand the nitrogen crisis
Employers and province after nitrogen ruling: ‘Economics on the chain’