ÖVP environmental spokesman: bureaucracy will be reduced, flexibility increased
Vienna (OTS) – “With the amendment to the environmental impact assessment (EIA), processes such as those for large energy transition projects will become possible more quickly and they should also become more efficient.” This was announced today, Wednesday, by ÖVP environmental spokesman Abg. Johannes Schmuckenschlager at the meeting of the environmental committee in which the amendment was passed.
“The aim of the amendment is to reduce bureaucracy and increase flexibility.” Schmuckenschlager points out that this will accelerate the expansion of renewable energy sources. Infrastructure measures can be implemented more quickly and the energy supply in Austria is also increasingly secured. “It’s another step towards making us energy independent,” says Schmuckenschlager, referring to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. This is a further step towards sovereignty and security in the area of domestic energy supply.
Green gas is the green energy of the future
“Since the beginning of the war, we have already put together numerous measures to promote the independence of our energy system from Russian gas.” The amendment is part of a package for the faster expansion of renewable energies, as is the Renewable Gases Act (EGG), which was sent for review yesterday. “Green gas is the environmentally friendly energy of the future,” emphasizes the MP. With this law, we are also strengthening our energy independence and increasing domestic value creation. By 2030, 7.5 terawatt hours of domestic biogas are to be produced annually from organic waste and wood residues and fed into the gas grid. According to Schmuckenschlager, this amount significantly exceeds the target of five terawatt hours set out in the government program.
Security of supply in rural areas – energy self-sufficient farms
“The conversion of the energy systems to renewable resources and renewable energies is a key objective of the Austrian federal government and also of the eco-social tax reform. As part of the tax reform, for example, an additional funding scheme for agricultural and forestry operations was agreed. This is intended to increase security of supply in the country – and forestry sector by optimizing the use of energy through efficiency and load management measures, improving the self-sufficiency of farms with renewable energy, switching to renewable raw materials and strengthening crisis security through emergency systems,” emphasizes Schmuckenschlager. The Climate and Energy Fund has developed practical guidelines for the funding program on behalf of the Ministry of Climate and in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and with the involvement of interest groups. The program is endowed with a total of 100 million euros until 2025.
Climate adhesive campaigns: wrong form of protest
Another topic in today’s committee was the climate adhesive campaign, “a completely wrong form of protest,” said Schmuckenschlager. The increasing radicalization threatens the reputation of reputable organizations, says Schmuckenschlager, who advocates better transparency with regard to the financing and activities of NGOs. (Ending)
Questions & contact:
Press office of the ÖVP parliamentary club
01/40110/4436
