Levy looming
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• Leading European MPs are pushing for the EC's Green levy, which is to be imposed on producers of industrial waste, to be extended to transport firms.
If they succeed, operators transporting some substances will have to insure against causing environmental damage.
However, a number of MEPs are fighting the proposal: On behalf of the Commission, EC Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan argued: "The best way of taking action is to focus strict liability on the waste producer. The Commission is extremely reluctant to see the liability transferred to a carrier who will never be able to reduce the risks of the waste itself, and does not know the peculiarities of the production process."