Permitting Authority – IEAs & NEC
The role of the IEA and NEC to govern permitting authority responsibilities.
1. Island Environment Authority (IEA)
The Island Environment Authorities is mandated under the Environment Act 2003. Its primary function is to assist the Service in the identification of environment priorities, publish guidelines on specific issues of environmental protection, making recommendations to the Minister.
2. National Environment Council (NEC)
The National Environment Council (NEC) is an adhoc permitting authority established under Section 20 of the Environment Act 2003. The NEC has a similar role to the IEA but facilitates larger projects at a national scale or significant environmental and socio-economic impacts to the Cook Islands.