Woodsure welcomes Air Quality Legislation

The draft legislation for The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 has successfully passed through both The House of Parliament and The House of Lords in recent weeks. This important milestone brings the legislation one step closer to becoming law. Woodsure, the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme, has welcomed this latest development and hope to hear further news very soon.

It is intended that the legislation will become effective from 1st May 2021 for the majority of firewood suppliers, with smaller foresters given a longer period to transition.

The draft legislation will now require the signature of the Secretary of State, enabling Defra to move forward with its plans for the legislation becoming law.

“It will shortly become law in Air Quality”

Speaking about the latest important development, Bruce Allen, Chief Executive of Woodsure, said: “We’re really pleased that this legislation will shortly become law. Phasing out the supply of wet wood from 1 May 2021 is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of domestic burning associated with the use of wood-burning stoves. Wet wood is known to emit high levels of particulates damaging to health and the environment, and legislation will drive the wider use of dry wood fuel with no more than 20% moisture content and clearly labelled as ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’, serving to reduce pollution and maximise heat efficiency.”