The two decisions, taken in succession, reflect a clear setback in the country's climate ambitions, as supported by the 2021 Climate and Resilience Act. This week, the National Assembly voted to abolish low-emission zones (LEZs), as well as to relax the principle of zero net artificialization (ZAN).
End of LEZs
The abolition of LEZs, introduced in committee at the initiative of the Republicans and the National Rally, was finally adopted by 98 votes to 51, with the support of the right and some LFI deputies. The Greens and Socialists, on the other hand, voted overwhelmingly against what appears to be a significant step backwards in terms of ecology.
Introduced in 2019 to limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles in large cities, the ZFEs aimed to reduce air pollution, responsible for nearly 40,000 deaths each year, according to figures from Public Health France. In particular, they prohibited access to certain areas for Crit'Air 3 or higher vehicles, mainly older diesels and gasoline vehicles built before 2006.
The implementation of the ZFEs sparked strong criticism, including from the center and the left, where elected officials denounced the "exclusionary" nature of the scheme. In the crosshairs are low-income households, unable to afford newer, less polluting vehicles. The government, initially opposed to the abolition of ZFEs, had attempted to propose a compromise: making these zones mandatory only in Paris and Lyon, and leaving the choice to other communities. But this amendment was largely rejected.
Zero Net Artificialization
In the process, the Assembly also relaxed the principle of zero net artificialization (ZAN), a flagship measure of the Climate and Resilience Act, which aimed to limit the concreting of natural and agricultural spaces in urban areas. The deputies adopted an article allowing the limit of developable natural areas to be exceeded by up to 30%, without justification, while allowing the exclusion from the equation of constructions recognized as projects of major national interest. An amendment was also adopted to facilitate the establishment of data centers in the country, considered strategic projects. The elimination of ZFEs could allow more than 2.7 million currently restricted vehicles to circulate again in major cities, with the very real promise of a rapid deterioration in air quality. It should be remembered that in Paris and Lyon, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations had decreased by a third since the implementation of ZFEs. While motoring associations welcome a strong message aimed at low-income households, environmental and public health advocates are concerned about a return to pollution. The elimination of ZFEs and the ZAN is not yet set in stone. The bill must be confirmed in plenary session, and certain articles could be censored by the Constitutional Council. The fact remains that the National Assembly has taken a decision with serious consequences for the future.
0 Comments