Process for setting or amending targets or adjusting topics 2F Process for setting or amending targets or adjusting topics 20 (1) Before making regulations under section 2C(1) or 2E(5), the Scottish Ministers must— (a) seek and have regard to scientific advice in relation to any target the regulations would set or the amendments they would make to the targets or, as the case may be, to the topics, from such persons as the Scottish 25 Ministers consider to be independent and to have relevant expertise, (aa) consult such persons as the Scottish Ministers consider may have an interest in, or otherwise be affected by, the regulations, and (b) in the case of regulations which would set or amend a target, be satisfied that the target, or amended target, can be met. 30 (2) But the requirement to seek advice under subsection (1)(a) does not apply if— (a) the regulations are being made in consequence of a review under subsection 2E(1), and (b) the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the advice provided in respect of the review is sufficient. 35 (3) The Scottish Ministers must, at the same time as laying any regulations under section 2C(1) which amend a target or under section 2E(5) which amend a topic, lay before the Scottish Parliament a statement setting out why they consider it appropriate to amend the target or, as the case may be, topic. (4) The requirement to lay a statement under subsection (3) does not apply if a 40 statement has already been laid under section 2D(4)(a) in respect of the amendment in question. 5 Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill Part 1—Targets for improving biodiversity (5) The Scottish Ministers may make regulations under section 2C which revoke or diminish a target (the “existing target”) only if— (a) they are required to do so by virtue of section 2D(4)(b), (b) they are satisfied that meeting the existing target would have no 5 significant benefit compared...