Within its Stage 1 report, the committee outlines its endorsement of the Scottish Government’s approach in ensuring the Hydro Nation work is closely linked with other environmental, planning and energy efficiency policy strands.
The Scottish Government’s intention is that the Bill should set a framework for making the most of Scotland’s water resources, seeking to develop and improve its management as a key part of its wider Hydro Nation policy agenda. As such, the Bill proposes legislation across a broad range of topics relating to water and sewerage services in Scotland.
Speaking as the Committee published its report, Convener Maureen Watt MSP said: ‘It is in everyone’s interests that our valuable water resources and assets are both protected and utilised appropriately. We welcome the concept of developing the value of Scotland’s water resources, although we agree with the views of those who gave evidence to us that the definition of that value in the Bill should be amended to highlight all three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social and economic.’
Included within the Bill are specific proposals to create:
• A new duty on Scottish Ministers to ensure the value of Scotland’s water resources is developed through the Hydro Nation programme, and requires them to report to the Scottish Parliament every three years on the fulfilment of that duty.
• A new duty on Scottish Water to promote the use of its assets for the generation of renewable energy, whilst safeguarding the fulfilment of its core water and sewerage functions.
