First Reading of the Draft Act on Amending the Subsurface Resources Act (121 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-01-25 13:36
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 6
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 7m
AI Summaries: 6/6 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Act 121 on Amendments to the Earth's Crust Act, which had been initiated by Riigikogu members Rain Epler, Mart Helme, and Martin Helme. The main objective of the draft act was to simplify the process of applying for geological survey permits by removing the obligation to request an opinion from the local government (KOV). Initiator Rain Epler emphasized in his presentation that the exploration of mineral resources is a national issue, which is crucial for increasing Estonia's competitiveness and national wealth. According to Epler, the current system, where it often takes two months for the local government to provide an opinion, unnecessarily slows down the process, especially since many municipalities lack the capacity to provide an expert assessment.
However, the lead committee, the Environment Committee, proposed rejecting the draft act. The committee's rapporteur, Hanah Lahe, explained that there was no direct need for the draft act, as the Ministry of Climate is already preparing a comprehensive intent to develop amendments to the Earth's Crust Act, which also analyzes the topic of issuing permits and conducting surveys. The committee found that the current draft act had been insufficiently analyzed and recommended rejecting it with 5 votes in favor and 1 against.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu voted in favor of the main committee's proposal and rejected Bill 121 during its first reading. With a voting result of 43 in favor and 9 against, the bill was removed from the legislative process.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Rain Epler, who, as the initiator of the draft legislation, presented its content and rationale. He represented the position of the initiators, stressing the need to accelerate national geological surveys and remove unnecessary obstacles from the process that arise from the obligation to seek the opinion of local governments.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu proceeds to the third item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Bill 121 for the amendment of the Subsoil Act, initiated by Rain Epler, Mart Helme, and Martin Helme, and Rain Epler is requested to serve as the rapporteur.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler stressed that while the draft bill is straightforward, its purpose is to make the permitting process for mineral resource surveys clearer and nationally coordinated, by involving the opinions of local authorities and avoiding overly restrictive procedures. He urged the deputies to vote for the bill, stating that it would improve life in Estonia.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, stated that there were no questions, and invited Hanah Laht, a member of the Environment Committee, to the Riigikogu rostrum to deliver an address.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Environment Committee decided at its session held on September 25, 2023, by a vote of 5 in favor and 1 against, to reject draft bill 121. The justification provided was that the Ministry of Climate’s development intention for amending the Earth’s Crust Act, along with the topics of the permit granting process and geological surveys, are already being addressed, and the current draft bill lacks an analysis of the local government (KOV) opinion.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that opening discussions is not recommended, and the lead committee advises rejecting Bill 121 at the first reading and beginning preparations for the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
On the first reading, Bill 121 was rejected with a vote of 43 in favor, 9 against, and no abstentions. It is therefore dropped from the proceedings, and with the third item on the agenda concluded, today's session is adjourned.