GLOBAL 2000 calls on the SPÖ to further negotiations on climate protection and the energy transition

2023-05-13 11:12:45

Environmentalists: Climate protection is not a government project, but a necessity – government parties also have a duty to work more intensively on solutions

Vienna (OTS) – The environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 is extremely critical of the termination of cooperation between the SPÖ and the governing parties ÖVP and the Greens, which was announced in parliament yesterday. Important laws are currently being voted on, which are necessary for a clean and safe energy supply for the people in Austria and for which a 2/3 majority in the National Council is required. This applies, for example, to the Energy Efficiency Act and the Renewable Heat Act. Without these laws, independence from Russian gas supplies is not possible. GLOBAL 2000 therefore appeals to SPÖ party leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner to continue to seek cooperation on these important issues:

“Climate protection and energy transition are not government projects, but in the interest of all Austrians who need a clean and safe energy supply. GEspecially now it is important to work together and to put what we have in common ahead of what divides us. We appeal to SPÖ party leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner to put further work on these important projects out of the question. Energy transition and climate protection are only possible if all constructive forces in Austria work together,” says Johannes Wahlmüller, climate and energy spokesman for GLOBAL 2000.

A comprehensive energy transition package is currently being negotiated between the governing parties and the SPÖ. Whether Austria will soon have to pay a fine for violating EU regulations depends on the resolution of the Energy Efficiency Act. The decision of the Renewable Heat Act is important so that oil and gas heating can be exchanged and a climate-friendly heat supply is possible for everyone. Dependence on Russian gas supplies is still far too high. Terminating the cooperation in this situation would be grossly negligent.

However, GLOBAL 2000 also makes the governing parties responsible. Most recently, following media inquiries, the ÖVP declared that it did not want to negotiate the Renewable Heat Act at the moment because this would not be possible at the same time as negotiations on the Energy Efficiency Act: “Affordable and clean energy supply also means that the path to renewable energies is now being consistently followed. Sustainable solutions can only be found if you approach negotiating partners. We therefore call on all those involved to work more intensively to ensure that a joint solution is possible. We’ve heard far too many excuses as to why something doesn’t work,” concludes Johannes Wahlmüller.

Questions & contact:

Hannah Keller, MA, GLOBAL 2000 Press Officer, [phone], [e-mail]
Mag. Johannes Wahlmüller, GLOBAL 2000 climate and energy spokesman, [phone], [e-mail]

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