This article examines the legal implications of the forthcoming IPPC Directive for the regulation "of aquatic and atmospheric emissions of pollutants from activities currently covered by the provisions of Directives 76\464\EEC and 84/360/EEC. It appears that the IPPC Directive, far from harmonizing emission standards applicable to those activities, will in fact substantially increase the discretion of national authorities with respect to standard-setting. The concept of "best available techniques", as defined in the IPPC Directive, is virtually devoid of prescriptive value. Though it will extend the prior authorization requirement to many activities not currently subject to this requirement under Community law and introduce an integrated approach to pollution prevention and control across all environmental media, the IPPC Directive is likely to lead to some measure of deregulation for activities subject to the authorization systems of the existing Directives 7614641 EEC and 84/360/EEC.
European Energy and Environmental Law Review