EU gives Netherlands green light in farm buyout scheme aimed at cutting nitrogen emissions

The European Union gave the Dutch government the green light in a farm buyout scheme aimed at cutting nitrogen emissions that is worth nearly $1.65 billion.

The Dutch ruling coalition wants to cut emissions of pollutants, predominantly nitrogen oxide and ammonia, by 50% nationwide by 2030. It was not immediately clear how much of that target could be met using the EU-approved funds. Some 3,000 farms are expected to be eligible.

Nitrogen pollution makes climate change worse and can harm biodiversity, according to the UN Environment Program.