Aaron Farrugia, a ‘Bluffer,’ is trying to reduce environmental fines

Arnold Cassola, an independent candidate, has called Aaron Farrugia Environment Minister a “bluffer” warning that the Labour government is proposing changes to the law to weaken environmental protection. 

Cassola spoke outside Santa Venera’s environment ministry Tuesday. He said Farrugia had not published a schedule of meetings, something he had promised to do many years ago. Cassola also said that the minister was now silently pushing for a relaxed fine regime for environmental offenses. 

The independent electoral candidate was referring a Public consultationPublished by the Environment Ministry on January 12, this document seeks to amend laws governing daily sanctions for environmental contraventions. The public consultation ended on February 9. 

The draft Legal Notice would change, among other things, to ensure that offenders who are subjected multiple daily penalties are only liable to pay any applicable highest at the time. 

It will also allow contraveners to petition the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal and will simplify the list of environmental violations.

Until all offences have been resolved, anyone who is found to be violating multiple environmental laws has to pay the daily penalty for each one. 

“It is completely shameful that it is now the Minister for the Environment himself who is using ERA to propose changes to the regulations which will seriously weaken the system of daily fines for offences against the Environment Protection Act,” Cassola said.

“Basically, Aaron Farrugia has reduced ERA to being the government’s lapdog instead of the guardian of our environment.”

Cassola expressed concern about the proposal to include the EPRT.

“Our country’s experience of the use of review boards and tribunals has never been a happy one and this proposal, made by a minister with very little credibility in effective environmental enforcement, raises suspicion that another mechanism is being created to allow environmental offenders to get away scot-free,” he said. 

Cassola stated that Farrugia is the same minister who proposes a flyover in place of a garden at Msida, and a petrol station within the Ta’ Xbiex Gardens. 

He warned voters that Labour’s “greenwash” was folly and warned them not to fall for it.

“It is clear, once again, that voting for environmental protection is the only way to make sure it is taken seriously,” he stated.

“This can be achieved by voting for honest independent candidates and third-party candidates, who have lived the talk for the environment all their lives and have the credibility and will to protect the environment through direct and concrete action.”