French Government Backs Proposal to Ease Land Artificialization Rules

Prime Minister Michel Barnier supports a Senate bill to relax the 2021 'zero net artificialization' law, drawing criticism from environmentalists and local officials.

• The 2021 'zero net artificialization' (ZAN) law aims to halt urban sprawl and achieve no net land artificialization by 2050, with an interim goal to halve land consumption by 2030.
• Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced government support for a Senate proposal to ease ZAN implementation, citing the need to balance environmental goals with local development demands.
• Critics argue that the proposed changes prioritize short-term construction interests over long-term sustainability, risking biodiversity loss, increased flooding, and reduced agricultural land.
• The Senate's proposal would remove the 2030 interim target and allow continued urban expansion, prompting backlash from environmental advocates and some former government officials.
• The debate highlights tensions between national environmental policies and local authorities struggling with housing needs, financial constraints, and uneven population distribution.

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Libération La Croix Télérama