Section 20A: General purpose of SEPA

Environment Act 1995 · 1995 c. 25View on legislation.gov.uk

Part I: The Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency — Chapter II: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency

SEPA is to carry out the functions conferred on it by or under this Act or any other enactment for the purpose of protecting and improving the environment (including managing natural resources in a sustainable way).

In carrying out its functions for that purpose SEPA must, except to the extent that it would be inconsistent with subsection (1) to do so, contribute to—

improving the health and well being of people in Scotland, and
achieving sustainable economic growth.

In subsection (1), "enactment" includes an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.