Second reading of the Draft Act (359 SE) on amendments to the Law on the Organization of the Energy Economy, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-09-18 17:46
Total Speeches: 115
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4h 38m
AI Summaries: 115/115 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the second reading of Draft Act 359, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Organisation of Energy Sector Act, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act, under the fourth item on the agenda. The objective of the draft act is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy through a system of extraordinary procedural permits and discretionary exceptions, to introduce measures for mitigating environmental impact, and to specify the content of the public notice regarding the disclosure of the environmental impact assessment program and report. Furthermore, amendments were introduced, including the extension of the application period for temporary support for electricity producers. Preparations for the second reading took place in previous months, and the discussion also covered the treatment of protected areas and storage facilities in connection with heightened public interest.
Decisions Made 1
The completion of the bill’s second reading was confirmed: the proposal by the Isamaa faction to suspend the second reading failed to gain the necessary support. Therefore, the second reading procedure continued, and plans for the third reading remained on the agenda. The bill’s second reading was concluded based on the completion of the procedure (a decision submitted on September 16–18).
Most Active Speaker
Most Active Speaker: Mario Kadastik (Member of the Economic Affairs Committee). Position: other.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi introduced the fourth item on the agenda and requested Mario Kadastik to present a report concerning the second reading of Bill 359.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating Bill 359, which accelerates the establishment of renewable energy projects, provides for exceptions to environmental impact assessments, establishes a system of mitigation and compensation in nature conservation areas, resolves the European Commission infringement procedure, and brings the procedure to the plenary agenda for the second reading, along with numerous amendments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi notes that you have questions and asks Rain Epler to ask them.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler inquired whether a legal and financial framework exists to guarantee the funding for the decommissioning of these facilities 10 to 20 years down the line, and whether the ministry had presented this framework between the first and second readings, and if so, what the precise details of that framework are.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik said that he hadn't seen the letter in question and therefore hadn't forwarded it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that renewable energy is neither clean nor cheap, and the entire transition will impose significant costs on the Estonian people—both through tax increases borne by the taxpayer and rising electricity prices, as well as through the financing of stabilization, grid, and storage needs.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The system crashed and all the screens went dark.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the presiding officer was taking a ten-minute break. There was a loud buzz in the hall, with people laughing and talking over one another, and Mario Kadastik confirmed that the microphone was still working.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the sitting would resume at 4:00 PM, and if the system is not operational, the next half-hour recess will be taken. Furthermore, if the issue has not been resolved by 4:30 PM, the sitting will be considered either interrupted or concluded.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
As the search for the technical problem is underway, I am extending the Chairman’s recess by 30 minutes, until 16:30.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller announced that the presiding officer's recess had ended, but it would be extended for another 15 minutes until 4:45 PM in the hope of finding a solution, and he invited the people to approach the rostrum.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder says that he has something regarding this before the recess is announced.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller said that it has already been announced.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder made a procedural motion to conclude the work of the Riigikogu today at 16:45, utilizing the option under the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act to establish a timetable, and to hold a vote on the motion.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker announced that the Chairman's recess had ended, asked to see Helir-Valdor Seeder's hand, gave Seeder the floor, and asked him to come forward so that the recording could take place.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Pursuant to Section 48 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, Helir-Valdor Seeder proposed adjourning today's sitting due to technical problems and resuming tomorrow from the point where we concluded today.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller offers his thanks, invites Kalle Grünthal to the rostrum, and assures everyone that the verbatim transcript will also be provided.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal notes that some of the representatives come from outside Tallinn, and if the equipment hasn't been fixed by tomorrow, they should consider driving back and adhering to the principle of common sense so as not to waste fuel unnecessarily.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The bell rings, and we let the speaker finish.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal thanks the audience for the applause, notes that he made a reasonable point, and suggests reconvening only once the equipment is fixed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls Õnne Pillak up here.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She requests, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, a vote on the Isamaa proposal, and wishes to take a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The report addressed the rules governing voting procedures: the session begins tomorrow at 10 AM, followed by a check of technical issues. Furthermore, based on the proposal by Isamaa, voting by show of hands will be adopted, and a six-member vote-counting commission will be established, with one member drawn from each faction, and whose names were read aloud. Following this, the members will convene for the election of the chairman, and the recess will continue until 5:00 PM.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller explains the voting procedure (raising of hands, votes for, votes against, abstentions), presents the proposal from the Isamaa faction to shorten the sitting, and announces that following the vote, the Vote Counting Committee will convene to tally the result, after which a recess will follow until 17:24.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The proposal by the Isamaa faction to shorten the session time did not receive support (22 for, 48 against, 1 abstention). The protocol of the voting results was read out, and the session therefore continues, during which Mario Kadastik answered questions under the fourth item on the agenda.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik said that it wasn't caused by tax increases, but by excise duties and network fees.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller turns to Helir-Valdor Seeder and says the microphone is coming to him.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Due to the extraordinary circumstances, Helir-Valdor Seeder is raising procedural questions: specifically, how the sitting will be conducted if the technical means are non-functional, what the proper order and sequence for submitting questions will be, the process for delivering addresses, marking signatures and the arrival of participants, motions for recess or interruption, and other procedures, as well as the duration allowed for posing a question and who will be responsible for timing.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller explains that the round of questions will be conducted using a microphone, time will be monitored, and if necessary, a signal will be given to indicate when to conclude. Assistants will monitor the hall, and raising a hand indicates whether the question is a regular one (right hand) or a procedural one (left hand). Raising both hands might signify something entirely different.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal emphasizes that the extraordinary session must have a clear sequence for submitting questions, along with visible guidelines that establish unambiguous rules of conduct for everyone.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary decisions. Therefore, I am calling a 15-minute recess and will return at 5:45 PM.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Presiding Officer's recess has concluded, and the electrical connections for the desks and the voting system in the chamber have been restored. We will now resume where Mario Kadastik was answering questions and had just finished responding to the question posed by Martin Helme.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart was already there and was waiting in line.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks to give the floor to Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is asking what exactly constitutes public interest and what are the limits within which it permits circumventing environmental analyses, as well as other analyses and restrictions.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik emphasizes that public interest is precisely defined in this directive, and although the original regulation was broader, the directive narrows the concept and provides grounds for consideration and a compensation mechanism only in very specific cases, such as for wind farms and associated storage, but hydropower is not included.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Rain Epler to the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks whether the heavy subsidization of renewable energy aids or impedes the development of nuclear energy, and whether this direction will ultimately lead to the construction of a nuclear power plant.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
While the transition from the marginal pricing market to a standard market was considered during the 2022 energy crisis, nuclear energy subsidies are contingent upon the market situation and the Europe-wide principle of marginal pricing. Furthermore, since the market structure may change within the next five to ten years, it is not currently appropriate to decide on the utilization of Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Consequently, this draft legislation serves as a temporary measure, effective until July 2025, owing to the heightened public interest regarding the acceleration of the climate and energy crisis.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller turns to Lauri Laats and says, "Lauri Laats, please!"
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The rapporteur, Lauri Laats, said that what happened in the Riigikogu hall shows exactly where we stand in our "Tiger Leap" process, and that the Riigikogu's system, the energy grid, and IT infrastructure all require modernization. He added that the draft bill tramples over public interests—arguing that offshore wind farms must not be constructed using taxpayer money because they are not profitable, and the public would not consent if they were told the honest truth.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stated that the Ministry of Climate estimates that the renewable energy fee, under the new floor and ceiling schemes, will not exceed the current rate of approximately 10–13 euros per megawatt-hour. The schemes will maintain the same scope and will be proportional to Estonian consumption, and this potential is a resource that should be utilized to boost consumption, supported by new developments.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks for Anti Poolamets to be called.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets warns that the deployment of unmanageable energy capacities could cause power outages, and that under the guise of the green transition, phosphorite mining will commence and unlimited quantities of gravel and sand will be transported for Rail Baltic. Therefore, clarification and protection are needed, along with attention to the environmental impacts of wind turbines and human health.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This directive primarily provides the opportunity to consider environmental impacts and does not allow protected areas to be simply bypassed. Instead, it compels an initial assessment of whether the construction of a wind turbine is possible without causing a significant impact to the species, and, if necessary, requires considering relocation or mitigation measures.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Tiit Maran to come forward and speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran highlights in his criticism that the draft bill merges nature conservation and renewable energy, noting that while the establishment of renewable energy infrastructure is excluded in the case of the plant kingdom, compensation and mitigation measures may be applied to the animal kingdom. He points out that nothing has been stated regarding the fungal kingdom, and he questions how these various differences were combined in such a manner.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I am not an expert in this context, and this was not directly discussed by the commission. The main issues concerned nature conservation, the specific characteristics of Natura sites, and the consideration of landscape protection areas. The question regarding the distinction between plants and animals remained unanswered, but perhaps the likelihood of animal relocation plays a role—though this is mere speculation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Kalle Grünthal is invited to take the floor.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal expresses concern over the plans for 109 wind turbines in Järva municipality. He notes that these turbines—which are 40 meters shorter than the Tallinn TV Tower—are being financed by foreign companies, while locals will only receive a meager compensation fee. He questions why foreign enterprises are allowed to exploit Estonia's natural resources in this way.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I doubt that foreign companies will be given an advantage here; Estonian companies have just as high a probability of developing it, and people of carrying it out. This is primarily a question of the market situation, where compensation payments and the contribution of the local community are positive, and investments into the region's development accompany the execution of the work.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech is only a greeting to Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The core message of the presentation is that the bill will accelerate renewable energy projects and offer them preferential terms both onshore and offshore. However, it could potentially grant foreign companies control over the nation's maritime territory and exert pressure on landowners to sell, thereby jeopardizing local interests.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that it is time for the listeners to act.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The central question of the discussion is who ultimately owns the maritime territory when foreign companies build wind farms offshore—will it remain under the Estonian state, or will we lose state control over it?
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This draft bill primarily concerns speeding up the procedures for construction and planning activities and does not directly address land ownership. Therefore, the answer remains unavailable, and regarding offshore wind farms, he does not know who owns the land and can contact the Ministry of Climate for a precise answer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Andres Metsoja to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja asks to what extent and in what manner this bill will actually ease the delays in proceedings that are currently stalled due to nature conservation requirements, and what practical outcomes it will yield in terms of simplifying processes, stressing that nature conservation and the constitution impose limits and that clarification is necessary.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Under the permitting process, certain activities can be initiated before all environmental permits are secured, allowing the process to be parallelized; the amendments enable the chairman of the expert body to be appointed by name, with the remaining members designated according to the content of the required expertise. This makes it possible to launch the permit procedure and the procurement of expertise in parallel, significantly accelerating the entire process.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal emphasizes that, according to Article 5 of the Constitution, natural resources belong to the people and must be used sustainably, extending this principle to all elements of the environment, such as water, soil, air, flora, and fauna. He finally asks why Estonia gives away natural resources for free and fails to charge for them to cover the economy's missing funds.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik argues that the construction of wind farms has a broader socio-economic impact: every time the wind blows, the price of electricity drops, and this affects all consumers. Consequently, during the current energy crisis, it has been emphasized across Europe that the development of renewable energy is in the public interest, and regulation is a temporary solution, not a final permit for the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Mart Maastik up to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik emphasized that the nature of Saaremaa and the avoidance of errors are matters of public interest, noting that the 330-kV route passing through Muhu–Saaremaa–Sõrve would cut through thousands of hectares of forest. Meanwhile, an offshore wind farm would be orders of magnitude more expensive for taxpayers, requiring the coverage of state subsidies and grid costs—a situation which, in his estimation, demonstrates insufficient green thinking.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
When the offshore wind is strong and the cross-border interconnector is operational, the price of electricity can drop almost to zero. However, the magnitude of this drop depends on how much of the consumption is subsidized, and the environmental impact assessment is part of the special development plan.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech is merely an invitation to Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He expressed surprise and criticism that the draft bill only addresses renewable energy but fails to mention nuclear energy, which has also been classified as renewable energy. He then asked whether the draft had been prepared hastily and if it should also include other methods of generating renewable energy.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This specific bill addresses a short-term period of heightened public interest, which concludes in July 2025, and during which nuclear power plants will not be developed. This is intended as a targeted measure, even though Mario Kadastik still supports the nuclear power plant as a stable energy source, and the bill itself is very context-specific and does not directly align with his position.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme emphasized that the constitution views nature and the environment as common property, and criticized the acceleration of wind farm permits at the cost of environmental destruction. She noted that while wind energy could potentially lower prices, the required grid infrastructure and investments amount to billions, which is why the processing of the bill will continue.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks twice.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that it is not like that.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik emphasized that although wind can affect electricity prices, it is not a finite resource, and the draft bill does not grant complete carte blanche. Instead, it allows for parallel processing and the provision of mitigation measures, taking into account the interplay of various public interests and the combined effect of multiple directives.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addressed Andres Metsoja with a request.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Andres Metsoja, the planning process should be agreed upon and negotiated with the community, but the current draft is moving in the opposite direction, doing a disservice to renewable energy production, sending a troubling signal to society, and jeopardizing the interests of local people.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
We are transposing the European Union regulation and directive into Estonian law concerning the energy crisis and short-term mitigation measures. We are taking the environmental impact into account and striving to parallelize and streamline the processes, although we cannot yet assess the final impact on renewable energy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests that Arvo Aller be called to the stage.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller’s speech addressed the acceleration of the deployment of renewable energy and asked what exactly is meant by "and other permits necessary for the activity stipulated in subsection 1 of this section."
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He recalls that this was partially discussed by the working group and related to the regulations of the Environmental Board. A semi-technical clarification was required, the precise answer to which he will share with the advisor later.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is just an invitation for Evelin Poolamets to perform.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets acknowledged that this is a very short-term act, noting that planning and negotiations often drag on and can lead to court disputes, and she questioned how such a draft bill could help them if its period of validity is so brief.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik stated that a specific portion of the assessment can be conducted more flexibly and concurrently. Furthermore, submitting the permit application and informing the head of the expert group provides an acceleration, but this does not substitute for completing all the required stages. Additionally, in protected areas designated on the red map, the scope of discretion for initiating the permitting process is broadened, even though the actual issuance of the permit remains a separate matter.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concluded the Q&A session, opened the negotiations, and turned to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the draft bill, arguing that it speeds up renewable energy development, increases electricity prices, and threatens the security of supply, and he calls for the second reading to be halted.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Evelin Poolamets in the chamber, noting that Lauri is not currently visible, and explains that he usually does not call out the names of those who are not in the chamber, deeming this the polite thing to do.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In her presentation, Evelin Poolamets claims that wind farms in Estonia are a greenwashing project, under the guise of which the landscape and living environment of hundreds of regions are being altered, causing a drop in property prices, visual pollution, noise stress, shadow flicker, and the risk of infrasound and vibration hazards. Furthermore, they are financed through taxpayer subsidies, which is the only way wind energy can be made competitive.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He is asking for three more minutes.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets believes that the construction of wind turbines, accompanied by noise and infrasound, may affect human health, disturb habitat diversity, and fragment contiguous forest massifs and green corridors adjacent to Natura 2000 sites. Consequently, the EKRE faction does not support this bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasized that the discussion should focus on ensuring cheap electricity and finding economically sensible steps, while avoiding the allocation of state subsidies for the development of offshore wind and nuclear energy. This is because the end consumer ultimately pays all the costs. Furthermore, investments in onshore wind and solar parks are subsidy-free, and companies are ready to proceed with those projects. Consequently, the Centre Party does not support the bill in its current form.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He confirms that three more minutes will be added.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
It is emphasized that although plans may provide subsidies to builders and offshore wind farms require transmission lines, network tariffs are rising and cheap electricity is unavailable. Therefore, a clear national oil shale and CO2 policy is needed to preserve jobs and solve the CO2 problem.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked Kalle Grünthal and announced that Mr. Grünthal was requesting an extension, meaning the speech would last eight minutes.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal asserts that this government is transforming Estonia into a complete periphery, arguing that the funding for wind energy projects is foreign and the owners are international investors. He claims these entities are plundering Estonia's natural resources while leaving local residents with only meager compensation. Consequently, the ownership structure must be thoroughly investigated and the project immediately halted.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the previous speaker/audience] and invites Mart Maastik to take the floor.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik thanks the Chair and requests three minutes, adding that he doesn't know exactly how long it will take.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi said that the speech would last a total of eight minutes.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik warned that the draft bill would accelerate renewable energy projects without a comprehensive energy management development plan, would entail significant costs and environmental damage in Saaremaa, and Isamaa did not support this draft bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech includes thanks and a request to Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that taxpayers' money is being channeled into subsidizing wind farms, the owners of which are primarily foreign investors. He argues this will shatter the Estonian economy and state budget, leading to cuts in child benefits, reduced support for mothers, and the termination of pension indexation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asked for three more minutes.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is accusing the government of lying and corruption regarding its energy policy. He claims that renewable energy is being falsely marketed to us as both ecological and cheap, and furthermore, that the pollution caused by oil shale energy is not as significant as claimed, thanks to installed filters. He stresses that disconnecting from the Russian energy system will not actually improve Estonia's security, and that the money is simply flowing to Western firms, leaving taxpayers saddled with budget cuts and tax increases.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Andres Metsoja to take the floor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech lasts eight minutes.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja emphasizes that the acceleration of renewable energy must take place while safeguarding the interests of local communities and protecting the natural environment, and that the draft bill will bring more problems than solutions because it does not provide sufficient benefit to locals and may harm the living environment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announced that we have moved on to the consideration of the proposed amendments, and the lead committee recommends fully accepting Amendments No. 1 and No. 2, and rejecting Amendments No. 3 and No. 4.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that he was considering Amendment Proposal No. 5 and wished to vote on it, requesting a ten-minute break before the vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi stated, "You were faster than me," and the steering committee decided to dismiss Amendment Proposal No. 5, which had been submitted by Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stated that they wanted a floor vote and a ten-minute recess before it was held, and complained that the committee had failed to take this into account.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the recess would last ten minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announced that the recess requested by the Estonian Centre Party faction had ended. He then put amendment proposal No. 5 (submitted by Lauri Laats) to a vote, noting that the lead committee recommends rejecting it, and asked his colleagues to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that most of the proposed amendments had been disregarded, and the leading committee intends to conclude the second reading of Bill 359, but the EKRE faction submitted a proposal to interrupt the second reading and requested a vote on it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
In the Riigikogu, the results of the vote on the second reading of Bill 359 were: 15 in favor, 52 against, 0 abstentions; the proposal failed to gain support, and the second reading is concluded.