Supporting Industry Amid Environmental Challenges

Boosting industrial employment… at the risk of easing environmental restrictions. Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced on Friday, November 29, his support for a temporary exemption for the industrial sector from the “zero net artificialization” (ZAN) land-use policy. This exemption, proposed for a five-year period, is part of a broader effort to simplify regulations and stimulate this economic sector.

A Controversial Policy

The ZAN initiative, introduced by the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law, aims to curb land artificialization by reducing or offsetting the urbanization of natural areas. Initially, the law set a goal of achieving zero net artificialization by 2050, with an intermediate target of halving the consumption of natural, agricultural, and forested lands by 2031.

However, the policy has faced persistent criticism from local officials and business leaders, who argue that it imposes undue constraints, especially in regions where economic activity is a priority.

Industry as a Strategic Priority

At the Ministry of Industry, officials justify the request for an exemption by highlighting that the industrial sector accounts for a small share of land use — approximately 5% of the total. They argue that the current ZAN regulations could weaken France’s competitiveness in the global race to attract investments.

“These rules could weaken us in international competition,” they stress, calling for a temporary relaxation to allow the industrial sector to grow while maintaining long-term environmental objectives.