On January 30th, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal delivered a speech outlining his general policy and announced the introduction of a second “green industry” bill. He proposed concentrating the work of the Commission nationale du débat public (CNDP) solely on projects of national importance, aiming to save time in the procedures for other projects. This move was met with little opposition, despite being seen as an infringement on democracy and the rights to information and participation guaranteed by the Constitution.
The targeted institution in this reduction of democratic space is the Commission nationale du débat public, which plays a crucial role in ensuring public information and debate on projects with significant environmental impacts. The proposal to eliminate mandatory consultation of the CNDP for local projects related to the “green industry” raised concerns, as the CNDP is not just another administrative authority. Established twenty years ago, its mission is to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to be informed and participate in decisions affecting their environment.
Individuals at the CNDP work passionately and professionally to enable affected citizens to be informed and engage in debates on projects that will impact their living environment. This commitment to environmental democracy intertwines with local democracy and the quality of public debate. The proposal to curtail the CNDP’s involvement may seem like a way to save time, but the potential cost includes a reduction in constitutional rights and the risk of environmental harm going unnoticed. The government’s focus on transitioning to greener industries alone may not be enough to achieve sustainability goals.
Preserving biodiversity and avoiding its collapse should be a priority, even in the face of the temptation to expedite processes. The government’s decision to prioritize speed in environmental decision-making has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the environment and democratic processes. It is crucial to consider the long-term implications of limiting public participation and information on projects with environmental impacts. The success of the ecological transition requires more than just promoting green industries; it also entails upholding democratic principles and protecting the environment.
In conclusion, the proposal to restrict the involvement of the Commission nationale du débat public in local projects related to the “green industry” raises concerns about the potential impact on democracy and environmental protection. The CNDP plays a crucial role in ensuring public information and debate on projects with significant environmental impacts, and its elimination from certain processes may lead to a reduction in constitutional rights and environmental risks going unnoticed. It is essential to consider the broader implications of limiting public participation and information on projects with environmental consequences to ensure a sustainable and democratic transition towards a greener economy.
