The Environmental Protection Agency will be able to request information from local authorities; carry out broader assessments of local authority performance; provide advice, assistance or support; where appropriate, issue for comments a proposed direction to the authority to take specific action within a specified timescale; and amend or confirm the direction following consideration of any views offered by the authority or decide not to confirm it. In addition, where an emergency arises or is imminent the agency will be able to issue a direction immediately to ensure timely action. Other important amendments aim to improve environmental enforcement and compliance.