First reading of the Bill on the Amendment of the Earth Crust Act, the Land Cadastre Act, and the State Assets Act (Development of renewable energy production in an area with a mining permit) (698 SE)
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-15 21:31
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 20
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 26m
AI Summaries: 20/20 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Bill 698, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Earth's Crust Act, the Land Cadastre Act, and the State Assets Act (development of renewable energy production in areas with a mining permit). The presenter was Andres Sutt, Minister of Energy and Environment. The main objective of the bill is to create a legal basis for the construction of renewable energy facilities (solar and wind parks) in areas subject to a mining permit, especially in exhausted quarries or peat production areas. This should accelerate the transition to climate neutrality and simplify the reclamation of mining areas by reducing bureaucracy for smaller mining plots (up to 15 ha) and peat production areas (up to 150 ha). Minister Sutt emphasized that the changes help diversify land use and stimulate economic activity without compromising the quality of reclamation.
Several critical questions arose during the debate. Rain Epler (EKRE) challenged the ideological focus of the bill, warning that it prioritizes the state's climate goals over economic expediency and potentially locks up active oil shale and peat reserves for 50 years under renewable energy developments, which threatens Estonia's energy security. Tiit Maran (SDE) acknowledged the necessity of the bill but considered it "underdeveloped," criticizing the Climate Ministry's analysis for its one-sided approach. He highlighted that the bill does not adequately consider biodiversity and climate aspects, especially concerning 150-hectare peat fields, where failure to rewet them could lead to significant CO2 emissions. Minister Sutt confirmed that the restoration obligation remains with the developer, and mining permit holders can decide for themselves whether they see commercial prospects in the area.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 698 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set as October 29 at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Rain Epler (EKRE, right-wing) was the most active and critical speaker in the debate, repeatedly questioning the minister and delivering a faction speech in which he challenged the ideological direction underpinning the bill and warned against the long-term sequestration of energy mineral resources.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) began debating, under the sixth item on the agenda, an important bill initiated by the Government of the Republic, Bill 698, concerning amendments to the Earth's Crust Act, the Land Cadastre Act, and the State Assets Act. The first reading of the bill primarily focuses on developing renewable energy production in areas where valid mining permits are already in force. The package of legislative amendments was presented to the parliament by Andres Sutt, the Minister of Energy and Environment. The main objective of the bill is to establish a legal framework that would allow for the more efficient use of mining-related areas for green energy projects, particularly the establishment of solar and wind farms. This is a crucial step in implementing the country's energy policy, ensuring that land already in use or permitted for mineral extraction is not overlooked in renewable energy development. The amendments must ensure clarity for both landowners and developers by simultaneously regulating the use of the earth's crust and the management of state assets. The minister's presentation of the package of amendments underscores the government's commitment to achieving renewable energy goals and optimizing land use. The first reading provides parliament with the opportunity to begin a substantive debate on how best to balance the use of mineral resources and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy production in Estonia.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The primary objective of the government-initiated bill amending the Earth's Crust Act, the Land Cadastre Act, and the State Property Act is to establish a legal framework for constructing renewable energy facilities in areas currently covered by mining permits. This primarily concerns exhausted quarries and peat production areas where environmental disturbance has already taken place but which remain unused due to long-term mining permits. The amendment allows state land to be leased for up to 50 years for the construction of wind turbines or solar parks, while ensuring that the opinions of local authorities are considered during the application process for planning and building permits. The bill has three straightforward objectives: utilizing areas for renewable energy production where development has previously been complicated; accelerating the transition to climate neutrality; and reducing bureaucracy in the remediation of mining sites. The incentive for miners to transfer the land lies in their exemption from paying the land use right fee, with the responsibility for site remediation transferring to the renewable energy developer. This is particularly crucial in peat production areas, which hold significant potential for renewable energy development. In addition to diversifying land use, the bill significantly streamlines the administrative process for the remediation of mining areas. Going forward, the remediation of smaller mining plots (up to 15 hectares) and peat production areas (up to 150 hectares) should be achievable solely based on remediation conditions, eliminating the need to compile a separate engineering and technical remediation project. This change reduces costs for businesses, alleviates the administrative burden on the Environmental Board, and allows remediation activities to commence more quickly, without compromising the substance or quality of the restoration work. Overall, these amendments will help stimulate economic activity and simplify operations for both businesses and the state.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This text segment notes the procedural transition of the Riigikogu session to the round of questions. The Presiding Officer informed the individual under discussion that at least one question had been submitted to them, after which the floor was yielded to the next questioner. This brief introduction marked the moment when the session's focus shifted from providing answers to posing questions, thereby emphasizing the parliament's oversight function. Specifically, Riigikogu member Rain Epler was called to the rostrum. Granting the floor to Epler allowed him the opportunity to present his question or initiate a debate, thereby directing the session's focus to the topic he wished to raise before the government or the responsible official. Although the content of Epler's question is not evident from this text, this procedural step demonstrates the session reaching a phase where the opposition or other members of parliament have the chance to demand accountability from responsible individuals.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker began their address by acknowledging the addressee's current course of action, but stressed the need to move away from an excessive focus on supporting intermittent energy developments, noting that a broader understanding of global developments should soon reach the addressee as well. He then focused on a specific legislative matter concerning the amendment of subsection 21 of § 14. The current draft bill provides for the possibility of erecting renewable energy structures, such as wind turbines or solar parks, in areas with depleted reserves, subject to authorization by the Ministry of Climate. However, the speaker presented an amendment proposal that would broaden this authorization. He asked whether the addressee would be willing to support changing the wording so that, under the authorization of the Ministry of Climate, industrial facilities more broadly, instead of just renewable energy structures, would be permitted in areas with depleted reserves. The goal is to develop the Estonian economy significantly more robustly than would be possible through the development of intermittent electricity alone. Therefore, the addressee was asked for a clear answer as to whether they are prepared to support and implement this amendment proposal, which supports broader economic growth.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The speaker believes that the debate surrounding dispatchable power tends to be overly ideological, whereas purely from a financial standpoint, investments in renewable energy generation capacity are clearly the most competitive. He pointed out that while solar power alone is no longer attractive to investors under current market conditions in Estonia, the project becomes viable if solar, wind, and storage can be successfully combined at a single connection point. Thus, the creation of holistic solutions is of key importance in the development of renewable energy. As a second important topic, the speaker addressed the amendment proposal put forth by Riigikogu member Epler concerning the establishment of industry on former mining areas. He confirmed that the committee must discuss the proposal and that the ministry will certainly provide its official position on the matter. However, he expressed practical doubts about establishing a factory in an exhausted peat mine, noting that a stone quarry, conversely, is a different matter entirely. Despite these practical questions, the proposal was promised to be considered regardless.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Anti Allas’s speech before the Riigikogu focused on sharp criticism directed at the government’s regional policy and state budget strategy, emphasizing that the current political course deepens marginalization and leaves local municipalities struggling due to insufficient funding. The speaker highlighted the alarming situation in rural areas, where vital services such as the school network, primary healthcare, and public transport are under pressure from centralization and cuts. Allas argued that the state has forgotten its obligation to ensure equal living conditions in every corner of Estonia, and he demanded swift action from the government to halt regional inequality. In addition to regional problems, Allas pointed to the weakening of the social safety net, drawing attention to the fact that high inflation and the rising cost of living have particularly severely affected pensioners and low-wage earners, whose purchasing power has significantly decreased over the past year. He criticized the government for its passivity in ensuring social justice. As a solution, the speaker proposed the need to increase the scope of targeted social benefits and substantially strengthen the revenue base of local governments so that they can independently guarantee necessary services and investments. According to Allas, genuinely supporting local communities is the only way to achieve the sustainable and balanced development of Estonian society.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker addressed the esteemed Minister, raising a crucial environmental question concerning the future status and management of exhausted peat fields. The primary concern revolved around the condition in which these areas would be left after the cessation of mining, and whether the state possessed a clear strategy for their rehabilitation. Specifically, the speaker sought clarification on whether it is technically and ecologically feasible to restore the moisture regime of the peat fields. Restoring the moisture regime is vital for bogs and former peat mining sites to prevent further degradation and support natural regeneration. Consequently, the Minister was requested to elaborate on the specific plan and organizational methodology the government or the responsible authority intends to use for carrying out these restoration efforts. In essence, the inquiry sought answers regarding both the feasibility of ecological restoration and the administrative arrangements.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The speaker emphasized that the restoration obligation in mining areas remains fully in force, and this obligation will not disappear, regardless of the subsequent intended use of the land. The central argument concerned a situation where the holder of the mining right permits the establishment of, for example, a solar farm or a wind farm on a portion of the mining area. In such a case, the restoration obligation transfers specifically to the developer of that park, who must remediate the area after the activity ceases. According to the speaker, this solution is entirely positive from an environmental perspective. It is stressed that the situation will not worsen; rather, it will improve, as the new activity utilizes areas that are already subject to disturbance anyway. Therefore, already impacted landscapes are being utilized, while simultaneously ensuring that the final restoration remains someone's responsibility.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
As part of the Riigikogu session agenda, Riigikogu member Rain Epler was given the floor to deliver a presentation or answer questions. This brief phrase signifies the procedural moment when the person chairing the session granted the aforementioned deputy the right to speak, allowing him to present his views or respond to inquiries. Although this text excerpt confirms that Epler was granted the floor, it lacks the substantive argumentation, viewpoints, or topics he addressed. Consequently, it is impossible to summarize the main points of his speech, as the material provided contains only an introductory note about the speaker. There is a complete absence of information regarding the political topics discussed, the arguments presented, or the proposals made.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker began his address by referring to the minister's previous position that dependence on energy imports is not beneficial for Estonia. Against this backdrop, he criticized the ongoing bill, which permits the construction of facilities on mining areas with exhausted reserves. The exception, however, is oil shale and peat, for which facilities may also be erected in areas where active reserves exist but mining has not yet begun. The speaker emphasized that such activity requires granting land use rights for 50 years, the owner of which is often the state-owned company Eesti Energia. He challenged the minister's claim regarding Eesti Energia's complete independence from the state. The main concern was that the bill creates a direct risk by locking up Estonia's strategic energy mineral resources for half a century, potentially making them inaccessible. The speaker posed the question of whether such long-term blocking of resources is a reasonable and justified step in the current complex geopolitical situation.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The speaker stressed that a flexible approach to mining permits is both economically sound and vital for national security. If a permit holder no longer sees commercial viability, or if a section of the mining area has been exhausted, finding a new use for that land is highly welcome. This link is especially evident in the case of the Põhja-Kiviõli quarry, where a defense industry park is currently being planned. Therefore, the speaker sees a direct connection between national defense, security, and the development of clean or defense industries, asserting that there is no inherent contradiction between mining activities and alternative development projects. This approach doesn't diminish the opportunities for mining permit owners; rather, it creates new ones, applying equally to oil shale and peat extraction. If the permit owner still considers mining viable, they are free to continue under the existing conditions. Furthermore, the role of Eesti Energia as a state-owned enterprise was addressed. While it is a state-owned business entity, the paramount concern is that the company remains well-managed and governed, adhering to the owner’s expectations and the strategic direction established by the Supervisory Board and the Management Board.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The address in question, delivered during the Riigikogu session, was brief and focused exclusively on procedural closure. The speaker, having apparently concluded their round of questioning, announced that they had no further questions for the respondent. This marked the end of the ongoing discussion or question period, signaling that the Chair of the session could proceed to the next item on the agenda or the next speaker. In terms of substantive political arguments, legislative proposals, or critical viewpoints, the speech was neutral and informative. The primary objective of the address was procedural—to confirm that the questioner had received sufficient answers or had chosen not to utilize their remaining time. Consequently, this parliamentary statement contained no weighty political thesis or position requiring substantive analysis. In summary, this brief remark played a crucial role in the organization of the session’s work, serving as a clear signal of the termination of the procedure. It confirmed that the phase of questioning had concluded, allowing the work of the Riigikogu to continue smoothly.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
I apologize, but the submitted text, which consists of only one word – "Thank you!" – does not contain any substantive arguments, topic framing, or political stance that could be summarized. This word is usually either the conclusion of a speech, a brief expression of thanks, or a remark that does not constitute an independent parliamentary address. Therefore, it is not possible to compile a 2–3-paragraph summary that would reflect the content and main arguments of a Riigikogu speech. To compile a summary of a Riigikogu speech, at least a few sentences are required that address a specific draft law, budget, government activity, or some other current topic. Without such content, it is impossible to identify the speaker's main positions, their criticism, or their proposals, which constitute the essence of parliamentary debate. Therefore, please submit the complete speech text so that I can fulfill the request and compile a summary in Estonian of the required volume and language use, which would accurately reflect the content and argumentation of the speech.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The summary provided by Yoko Alender, Chairperson of the Environmental Committee, regarding the discussion held in the lead committee, focused primarily on achieving Estonia's long-term climate targets and the necessary legislative amendments required to meet them. The main focus of the discussion was directed towards the widespread adoption of renewable energy and ensuring energy independence, emphasizing the need to accelerate the transition to green energy, especially considering the current geopolitical situation. The committee found that ambitious goals are achievable only if both the private sector and local governments are involved, while ensuring social equity and regional balance. During the discussion, several significant disagreements arose, primarily concerning the sustainable use of resources and the financing of environmental protection measures. Separate attention was paid to forest management and balancing it with carbon sequestration goals, where conflicting viewpoints emerged between economic interests and nature conservation priorities. Specific regulatory proposals, such as the introduction of new taxes or the redistribution of subsidies, also sparked debate, regarding which Alender emphasized the complexity of finding compromises but stressed their necessity to ensure broad-based support for the draft legislation. Finally, the Chairperson of the Environmental Committee confirmed that consensus was nevertheless reached in the lead committee for the further processing of the draft legislation in the Riigikogu plenary hall. The committee recommends supporting the draft legislation, adding some important clarifications concerning impact assessment and the involvement of local communities in the decision-making process. This step is critically important for the successful implementation of Estonia's future green transition and demonstrates the parliament's readiness to adopt responsible environmental decisions.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker provided the Riigikogu with an overview of the committee discussion on the draft bill, which included participation from both the minister and a representative of the Ministry of Climate. The debate primarily centered on whether the new regulation serves as an alternative to mining or an additional opportunity. The minister clarified that it is, in fact, an additional opportunity. They also addressed the right of local residents to intervene in the establishment of mines and wind farms, confirming that this option remains available through planning and construction permits. Another important topic was the remediation of peat mining sites. The minister confirmed that simplified remediation conditions are sufficient and supervision by the Environmental Board is ensured. The bill now offers peat producers the long-awaited opportunity for partial remediation. Furthermore, the bill creates the possibility for multi-purpose land use in areas with mining permits, which is currently restricted. The committee emphasized the need to involve other stakeholders and local governments in the further proceedings. The committee made consensus decisions: to include the bill on the plenary agenda on October 15, to propose concluding the first reading, and to appoint Yoko Alender as the rapporteur for the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Tiit Maran, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, opened the floor for debate, proceeding to present his positions. Although the specific content of the speech is not detailed in the text, it is clear that Maran initiated the debate on behalf of the faction, following the previous discussion stage where questions were no longer permitted. His address constituted a significant part of the parliamentary session's agenda, providing the Social Democrats with an opportunity to put forward their political views and arguments. Maran requested additional time for his presentation, suggesting that the subject matter was comprehensive and substantial, requiring extended clarification or argumentation. The Riigikogu granted him three extra minutes, indicating that the faction representative's speech was given sufficient weight and time to fully convey his message. The request for and subsequent approval of this extra time underscores the importance of the address within the ongoing parliamentary debate.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker acknowledges the main objective of the bill—developing renewable energy on former mining sites—considering it reasonable and necessary. However, it is emphasized that the bill is "raw" in its current form and requires very thorough revision. While there are no issues with surface mining areas (25 ha), the large 150-hectare peat mining areas raise serious questions, as they account for half of all mining permits. Peat mining areas are unique because they are damaged bog areas, which are naturally among the best carbon sinks. If these areas are not restored or re-wetted, these oxygen-exposed peat soils turn into significant CO2 emitters, releasing an estimated 750–4,500 tons of CO2 annually per 150 hectares. The speaker sharply criticizes the explanatory memorandum, which completely lacks any analysis regarding CO2 emissions or biodiversity aspects, thus pointing to the bill’s one-sided approach. This one-sided approach is also reflected in the composition of the bill’s drafting team within the Ministry of Climate, which included experts from mineral resources, energy, and the Land Board, but lacked any input from the climate and biodiversity departments. Such a situation in a major ministry is unacceptable, as it has led to the energy aspect being overemphasized at the expense of environmental impacts. The bill cannot be adopted in its current form, and the speaker hopes that the Ministry of Climate will use the time remaining until the second reading to conduct the necessary analyses and substantially improve the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The text provided does not contain the actual speech; it is merely an introduction or a procedural announcement from a Riigikogu session. This brief sentence informs us that Rain Epler, the representative of the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) faction, has been invited to the podium. Consequently, there is no material available upon which a substantive summary of his arguments, topics, or positions could be based. Compiling a summary would require knowledge of the content of the political positions, criticism, or draft legislation presented by Epler. Since this information is missing, it is impossible to provide a 2–3 paragraph overview of the main points of the speech. It must be assumed that Rain Epler is about to speak on behalf of the EKRE faction regarding important national issues, but the content of these issues remains unknown based solely on the text provided.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker sharply criticizes the draft bill, which permits the development of renewable energy in areas with existing mining permits, labeling it "highly unreasonable incidental energy production." He emphasizes that although state subsidies make it profitable for investors in the short term, in the long run, it will render the society's electricity system unstable and extremely expensive. To support his position, the speaker refers to an ENTSO-E analysis concerning the Spanish power outage, where an excessive share of wind and solar energy generation caused dangerous voltage fluctuations and system fragility, warning that Estonia is attempting to reach the same level proportionally. The speaker's primary concern is that the draft bill significantly limits Estonia's future opportunities to utilize its energy mineral resources—oil shale and peat. He warns that this law will lock up good deposits with active reserves for 50 years, negatively affecting multiple generations and damaging the country's energy security. Contrary to the minister's claims that mining is not economically viable, the speaker stresses that the preference for renewable energy stems directly from the state's climate and energy goals and European political ideology, not from economic calculations. The claim of Eesti Energia's independence is also refuted, as the owner (the state) can dictate the cessation of oil shale mining. The speaker also criticizes the explanatory memorandum of the draft bill, which avoids directly naming oil shale and peat, using references to other laws to conceal the bill's actual impact. He emphasizes that the explanatory memorandum explicitly states that preference is given to renewable energy because the mining of energy mineral resources does not support the climate goals set by the state. Finally, the speaker calls on the minister to withdraw the draft bill, arguing that it is a detrimental law for Estonia that will make life worse in the country.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Presiding Officer began by closing the debate, as the Minister did not wish to participate. The floor then proceeded to handle Bill 698, for which the lead committee had proposed concluding the first reading. In accordance with the lead committee's proposal, the first reading of Bill 698 was declared concluded. The deadline for submitting amendments was simultaneously set as 17:15 on October 29th of the current year. Since this completed the sixth item on the agenda, the session was declared closed.