Belco came out in support of new clean air regulations, saying it was “committed to the environment”.

The Government intends to table the Clean Air Amendment Bill, which aims to refine the limits of pollutants to help reduce acute and chronic risks to the public.

It also wants to move forward with the Water Resources Amendment Bill, which is intended to help the Government crack down on water polluters.

Consultation closed this week, despite criticism by the Bermuda Clean Air Coalition about the length of time available to give feedback.

In a statement, Belco said it was “committed to the environment and recognises that all Bermuda residents have a right to clean air free from pollutants and particulate matter”.

“There are many contributors that may impact air quality, including vehicles that use internal combustion engines — cars, trucks, bikes, boats, home generators and utility-scale generators.

“In addition, incineration and spray painting and other activities can also cause airborne pollution.”

Mark Pacheco, Belco’s director of occupational health safety and environment and business continuity, said: “Bermuda must take a holistic approach to keeping our air clean.

“There are many sources of air pollution and we at Belco do our part to mitigate our impact on the community and comply with all regulations and laws that are applicable to our operations.

“All contributors that have an impact on air quality have a part to play in ensuring Bermuda’s air is free from pollutants.”

The company said that since 2010 it had successfully maintained its international certification to standards for environmental management systems, which “reinforces Belco’s commitment to sustainability”.

Mr Pacheco added: “We look forward to the amendments to the Clean Air Act and will continue to work to ensure we comply with regulations and have minimal impact on the community.”

Any regulations would not come into effect for six months after they are approved to give organisations with controlled plants time to adjust to the new standards.

The Royal Gazette has reported that in recent years, Belco has exceeded annual emissions limits set in Britain and the EU, not least since the commissioning of the North Power Station.

In November 2022, Geoff Smith, an environmental engineer at DENR, said the clean air Bill would make target levels into limit values under the clean air regulations once the drafting and consultation process was completed.

If passed, this means that the plant going beyond targets would no longer be permitted under Bermuda law.