What is the Welsh Government's estimated timeframe for Wales to meet World Health Organization guidelines on PM2.5 pollutants?
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 includes duties for Welsh Ministers to set a short or long-term target for PM2.5 by February 2027. In addition to this Ministers must also set a target for one of the following, ammonia, PM10, ground level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide or sulphur dioxide, by February 2030.
The work to scope and develop cases for change and potential target options for air pollutants is expected to be completed for Ministerial consideration by spring 2025. I cannot pre-determine the specific PM2.5 target dates and levels to be set ahead of this work. It is likely Ministers will consider the advice and determine next steps during summer 2025 prior to public consultation on proposed targets.