French Senate Votes to Ease Landmark Land Preservation Law

The Senate's proposal removes the 2031 target for reducing soil artificialisation, introduces local flexibility, and awaits review by the National Assembly.

The proposal eliminates the 2031 intermediate goal of halving soil artificialisation, replacing it with a less specific milestone for 2034 determined locally.
Local authorities gain more autonomy, including the ability to exceed land use limits by 20% or more with prefect approval.
Exemptions are introduced for industrial projects, renewable energy installations, and social housing until 2036, raising concerns about unchecked land use.
Environmental groups criticize the changes as undermining efforts to combat urban sprawl and achieve the 2050 'zero artificialisation nette' goal.
The proposal, opposed by the government, now moves to the National Assembly for review before June 2025.