The German Bundestag has passed a reform of the Climate Protection Act, which will make the job of Transport Minister Volker Wissing easier. The reform avoids the threatened weekend driving ban and eliminates enforceable sector targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with no changes to the emission targets themselves. The amendment was supported by the coalition parties, while the opposition and environmental groups criticized the weakening of climate requirements. The law still needs to pass through the Bundesrat.
Under the new law, adjustments will only be required if emission targets are not met for two consecutive years, removing the obligation to present immediate programs for individual sectors like transportation. The focus will now be on forecasts to achieve the goals by 2030 and later by 2040. Germany is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2030 compared to 1990, with a further reduction of 88% by 2040 and achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. The transport and building sectors failed to meet targets last year, prompting threats of drastic measures, including weekend driving bans, from Transport Minister Volker Wissing.
Critics from the CDU and the Left party accused the coalition of diluting the law’s key provisions by removing binding sector targets. The FDP leader argued that the old Climate Protection Act was too regulated, stating that the climate doesn’t care which sector emissions are reduced in. The Greens called the new law a step forward, emphasizing the importance of maintaining emission goals without any future CO2 emissions. However, they expressed a desire for clearer responsibilities for each sector.
An attempt by the opposition to prevent the reform was unsuccessful, with the Federal Constitutional Court rejecting an application for interim measures. The applicant raised concerns about the rushed process and potential weakening of climate protection. The court deemed the application inadmissible, citing that it was preemptively dismissed. The applicant argued that his rights as a member of parliament to participate in decision-making had been violated, similar to a successful case against a heating law last year.
Overall, the reform of the Climate Protection Act in Germany aims to streamline the process and ensure more focus on future forecasts for achieving emission goals. The decision to eliminate enforceable sector targets has sparked criticism from the opposition and environmental groups, who fear a weakening of climate requirements. However, supporters of the reform argue that it allows for more flexibility in achieving overall emission reductions and provides a clearer path forward towards climate neutrality. The law still needs to be approved by the Bundesrat before it can take effect.
