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ENDS Report
@endsreport.com
The UK’s no. 1 source of news, scoops & analysis on environment and climate policy for environmental professionals - and the journalists behind the ECO Chamber podcast.

Find us at: https://www.endsreport.com/
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The search is on for the 100 most influential and effective UK environmental professionals. Can you help us find them?

Our ENDS Power List is now open for nominations. Make yours here...

➡️ surveys.haymarket.com/s3/The-ENDS-... ⬅️

...and read on to find out who we are looking for 👇
How can a new “super” regulator for the water sector help the government get to grips with the industry? And what’s next for Ofwat? 🌊

Find out & catch up on the latest green news in the most recent episode of the ECO Chamber podcast, with @jamesxparsons.bsky.social and @shoshaadie.bsky.social 🎧
January 23, 2026 at 4:45 PM
UK environment sector folks of Bluesky! Can you help us find rising stars? 🌟

In this video, our own @jamesxparsons.bsky.social tells you everything you need to know to nominate environmental champions under 35 🏆

Use our survey to make your nominations today 👇
surveys.haymarket.com/s3/The-ENDS-...
January 22, 2026 at 4:31 PM
The UK’s “guidance” approach to regulating PFAS in drinking water has been called into question after a legal requirement for EU member states to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water, in line with new limits, comes into force ⬇️
‘Tough’ regulations on PFAS in drinking water come into force in Europe while UK considers position
The UK’s “guidance” approach to regulating PFAS in drinking water has been called into question after a legal requirement for EU member states to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water, in line with ne...
www.endsreport.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:47 AM
This year, would you like to bring recognition to the UK environment sector rising stars you know or work with? 🌟

In 2026, our ENDS Power List will have a new category for trailblazers under 35 – future leaders already leading the way

Nominate them here:

🏆 surveys.haymarket.com/s3/The-ENDS-... 🏆
January 21, 2026 at 3:03 PM
BREAKING 🚨

Dedicated supervisory teams will be appointed to regulate each water company to end the “one-size-fits-all approach”, according to DEFRA's water white paper which is now published in full.

This also states a transition plan will be published for a new 'super regulator' ⬇️
Water white paper launches in full with measure for new water company ‘supervisory bodies’
Dedicated supervisory teams will be appointed to regulate each water company to end the “one-size-fits-all approach”, according to DEFRA’s new water whitepaper, which also states a transition plan wil...
www.endsreport.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:02 AM
"[The government] needs to use the tools that are available now with existing policies and frameworks..."

Listen to the OEP's 🧑🏼‍🔬 chief scientist Robbie McDonald on the 🍃 state of nature and what needs to happen next.

Only on this week's ECO Chamber podcast:
🎧 pod.fo/e/3788dc
January 19, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Plans to remove a landfill tax exemption for certain dredged material could ‘delay net zero’, ‘increase flooding risk’, and ‘delay the clean-up of contaminated waterways’, a trade body representing the ports industry has warned ⚠️
Landfill tax reforms will ‘delay net zero’, port industry warns
Plans to remove a landfill tax exemption for certain dredged material could ‘delay net zero’, ‘increase flooding risk’, and ‘delay the clean-up of contaminated waterways’, a trade body representing th...
www.endsreport.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:15 PM
The High Seas Treaty came into force this weekend which will allow governance over formerly lawless waters, but green groups and experts warn that the UK risks being shut out of future deliberations if it fails to pass its own law on this soon 🌊
High Seas Treaty comes into force but UK risks ‘missing the party’, say green groups
The High Seas Treaty came into force this weekend which will allow governance over formerly lawless waters, but green groups and experts warn that the UK risks being shut out of future deliberations i...
www.endsreport.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:14 PM
"What we haven't seen is a major step change"

Listen to OEP chief scientist Robbie McDonald speak about the the Labour government's performance on protecting nature and what the watchdog has its eyes on next 👁️

Only on this week's ⚡ ECO Chamber podcast ⬇️

🎧 pod.fo/e/3788dc
January 15, 2026 at 10:39 AM
A private jet tax is among the most noteworthy environmental proposals set out in Scotland’s 2026/27 budget, published yesterday ⬇️
Scottish budget includes plans for private jet tax
A private jet tax is among the most noteworthy environmental proposals set out in Scotland’s 2026/27 budget, published yesterday.
www.endsreport.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:15 AM
The construction of a giant offshore wind farm that campaigners say will deliver a “crushing blow for marine wildlife in Scotland and beyond” has taken a step forward.

It was among a record-breaking number of successful bids in the government’s latest offshore wind auction ⬇️
‘World’s deadliest’ wind farm moves forward after successful renewables contract bid
The construction of a giant offshore wind farm that campaigners say will deliver a “crushing blow for marine wildlife in Scotland and beyond” has taken a step forward after it was among a record-break...
www.endsreport.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:55 PM
The search is on for the 100 most influential and effective UK environmental professionals. Can you help us find them?

Our ENDS Power List is now open for nominations. Make yours here...

➡️ surveys.haymarket.com/s3/The-ENDS-... ⬅️

...and read on to find out who we are looking for 👇
January 14, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Labour promised to “reset” the water sector when it came into power. Will this be the year that it realises its goals?💡

Read ENDS latest year-ahead briefing to find out what's coming up for the sector in 2026, with insights from experts such as @ciwem.bsky.social's @alastairchisholm.bsky.social ⬇️
ENDS Briefing: The 2026 policy and legal changes to look out for
www.endsreport.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:18 AM
The “opportunity to effect further change” ahead of the 2030 target to halt the decline in species abundance “has now largely passed”, according to green watchdog the Office for Environment Protection, as it warns there is “no time for complacency” ⬇️
Government risks being ‘first to break nature law’ as OEP finds opportunity to impact key 2030 target ‘largely passed’
The “opportunity to effect further change” ahead of the 2030 target to halt the decline in species abundance “has now largely passed”, according to green watchdog the Office for Environment Protection...
www.endsreport.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:36 AM
“Inconsistencies” in how environmental impact assessments are carried out for solar projects is putting UK farmland “at risk”, @isepglobal.bsky.social has warned as it publishes fresh guidance ⬇️
EIA ‘inconsistencies’ putting farmland at risk from ‘rapid solar expansion’, warns green professional body
“Inconsistencies” in how environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are carried out for solar projects is putting UK farmland “at risk”, a professional body for environmental professionals has warned as ...
www.endsreport.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:51 AM
A new legal requirement for water companies to prepare annual plans on how they will cut pollution incidents has been welcomed, following fresh regulator guidance, but commentators warn “reporting alone will not clean up our waterways” ⬇️
Greater ‘consistency’ from water companies expected as standardised pollution reduction plans become mandatory
A new legal requirement for water companies to prepare standardised annual plans on how they will cut pollution incidents has been welcomed, following fresh regulator guidance, but commentators warn “...
www.endsreport.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:48 PM
This year's King’s New Year Honours List for 2026 is out.

A pop star, a policy mandarin and several green leaders like @craigbennett3.bsky.social all got their 🏅 green gongs.

We discuss who's on the list alongside an AI deep-dive on the latest 🎧 ECO Chamber podcast out now.

🎙️ pod.fo/e/373e61
January 9, 2026 at 2:10 PM
“Possible failures” to comply with the Water Framework Directive regulations have been identified by the Office for Environmental Protection, in notices issued to DEFRA and the Environment Agency today ⬇️
‘Urgent action’: OEP investigation finds ‘possible’ DEFRA and EA failures to comply with key water regulations
“Possible failures” to comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) regulations have been identified by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), in notices issued to DEFRA and the Environment...
www.endsreport.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:01 PM
The global market in 🤖 artificial intelligence is projected to hit $4.8 trillion by 2033, says the UN.

🎧Listen to @jamiecarpenter.bsky.social & @jamesxparsons.bsky.social on how AI is being adopted in the UK environment sector in the latest 🎙️ ECO Chamber podcast now ⚡️

➡️https://pod.fo/e/373e61
January 7, 2026 at 3:40 PM
🔹 Planning Act changes
🔹 Net gain exemptions
🔹 PFAS action plan
🔹 Land Use Framework
🔹 Water ‘super regulator’
🔹 Circular Economy Growth Plan
🔹 PM2.5 planning guidance

A rollercoaster 2026 beckons for UK green policy. Prepare with our new special preview ⬇️

www.endsreport.com/article/1944...
ENDS Briefing: The 2026 policy and legal changes to look out for
www.endsreport.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:06 PM
The Environment Agency has identified a person responsible for turning a Yorkshire stream blue, but experts say a larger challenge with enforcing drainage rules is to blame ⬇️
Stream turned bright blue on New Years Day ‘points to national problem’ with drainage regulation
The Environment Agency (EA) has identified a person responsible for turning a Yorkshire stream blue, but experts say a larger challenge with enforcing drainage rules is to blame.
www.endsreport.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:18 AM
A law firm is “gathering views” on the implications of the government rejecting all protected species recommendations from the UK’s wildlife agencies, in a move described by ecologists as “highly unusual” and “profoundly disrespectful” to scientists ⬇️
Lawyers ‘gathering views’ after government throws out all species protection proposals from own scientists
A law firm is “gathering views” on the implications for animals like beavers and grey seals of the government rejecting all protected species recommendations from the UK’s wildlife agencies, in a move...
www.endsreport.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Did you have a good Christmas break? 🎄

Here are the environmental stories you might have missed over the festive season, from chemical consultation responses, a new national ‘river walk’ and Planning Act details... ⬇️
Planning Act details and river walks: 7 environmental stories you might have missed over Christmas
As the Christmas break draws to a close, here are the environmental stories you might have missed over the festive season, from chemical consultation responses, a new national ‘river wall’ and Plannin...
www.endsreport.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Our latest ECO Chamber⚡️ podcast investigates social class in the UK environment sector.

With exclusive insights from 🐦‍⬛ RAVEN networks' Nadia Shaikh.

🏗️ ISEP's chief Sarah Mukherjee MBE

𖣘 WCCA founder Emma River-Roberts and

🍃 BES' SEED co-lead Dr Ciara Dwyer Dwyer

Listen now 🎧 pod.fo/e/368517
January 5, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Happy New Year! 🎊

A pop star, the lead for an independent review of DEFRA, civil servants, professionals and key green charity figures have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026.

Here’s what you need to know…⬇️
DEFRA review author, a pop star, and wildlife heroes: Who got green gongs in the New Year Honours?
A pop star, the lead for an independent review of DEFRA, civil servants, professionals and key green charity figures have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026. Here’s what you ...
www.endsreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:18 PM