Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Abbreviation: DESNZ
The UK Government department responsible for energy policy, energy security and net zero policy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Abbreviation: Defra
The UK Government department responsible for the environment, farming, food, rural affairs and animal welfare.
Environment Agency
Abbreviation: EA
The public body responsible for environmental regulation and protection in England.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Abbreviation: EFRA Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises Defra and related environmental, farming and rural policy.
Environmental Audit Committee
Abbreviation: EAC
A Commons select committee that examines environmental protection and sustainable development across government.
Natural England
The public body responsible for advising on and helping protect England’s natural environment.
Office for Environmental Protection
Abbreviation: OEP
The body that scrutinises and enforces environmental law in England and Northern Ireland.
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
Abbreviation: Ofgem
The energy regulator for Great Britain.
Water Services Regulation Authority
Abbreviation: Ofwat
The economic regulator for the water and wastewater sector in England and Wales.