Second reading debate on IPPC to begin in March

The European Parliament's second reading debate on the revised industrial pollution directive (IPPC) will begin in mid-March. Discussions will be based on proposals to be made by German rapporteur Holger Krahmer early next month.

The parliament's environment committee will vote on the proposals in April. Trialogue talks between MEPs, member states and the European Commission will begin shortly after, an aide to Mr Krahmer told ENDS. A plenary vote in Strasbourg is scheduled for July.

Mr Krahmer began to draft his proposals after the Council of Ministers published member states' first reading position earlier this month, based on an agreement reached in June. The MEP will not propose a limit on CO2 emissions from installations in the revised law.

Member states backed 44 of the 85 amendments to the commission's proposal agreed by the parliament in March 2009, according to an analysis of the council's first reading position published on Monday. Member states want a quick agreement with MEPs on IPPC, according to the document.