The Dutch government’s nitrogen reduction plans represent substantial progress but won’t fully resolve the country’s nitrogen crisis, according to a report by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). The proposed measures are expected to significantly decrease nitrogen emissions from agriculture, industry, and transportation, easing the process of issuing permits. While the government aims for a 42-46% reduction in agricultural emissions and a 50% reduction in industry and traffic by 2035, the PBL indicates that most vulnerable nature areas will remain overstressed in 2035, albeit to a lesser degree. The plan includes measures like nitrogen-sensitive zones, livestock density limits, and stricter emission standards for farms, requiring a historically large-scale implementation. The PBL analysis assumes flawless execution of current plans, and does not account for potential setbacks. Despite not completely lifting the “nitrogen lock,” the report acknowledges the ambitious and comprehensive nature of the government’s approach.