Third Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Water Act (346 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-06 17:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 4
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 7m
AI Summaries: 4/4 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The sitting focused on the third reading and final vote of Bill 346, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Water Act. Before the vote was conducted, discussions were opened, during which Hanah Lahe spoke on behalf of the Estonian Reform Party faction, emphasizing the critical importance of the bill in conserving Estonia's water resources and implementing the principles of the circular economy.
The main objective of the bill is to create a legal framework for the reuse of underutilized water resources (such as wastewater, quarry water, and mine water). This allows treated water to be directed to third parties for use, for example, for irrigation in agriculture, landscaping, or in industrial processes. Lahe highlighted that although Estonia is considered a water-rich country, consumption trends and climate change indicate that water scarcity is a growing problem requiring proactive measures. The adoption of the law helps reduce the consumption of primary water resources and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Decisions Made 1
Draft Act 346 amending the Water Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, was adopted as an Act. The voting results were: 59 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Hanah Lahe (PID: 4GKorDsZfiY), who represented the faction of the Estonian Reform Party. Lahe delivered a comprehensive speech in which she explained the necessity and positive impact of the draft amendment to the Water Act.
Her position was clearly supportive (in favor), emphasizing the sustainable use of water resources, the implementation of circular economy principles, and Estonia's responsibility in preserving its natural resources amidst the climate crisis. She highlighted that the legislative amendment is an important step for coping with increasingly frequent dry periods and preventing restrictions on water usage caused by overconsumption. Lahe's position advocated for environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced the next item on the agenda—the third reading of Draft Act 346 on the amendment of the Water Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic—opened the discussion, and Hanah Lahe, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, requested three additional minutes.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This bill amends the Water Act, enabling the reuse of purified wastewater and its transfer to third parties for use, thereby reducing drinking water consumption, boosting the circular economy of water resources, and contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, 12, and 14.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concludes the negotiations and prepares the final vote on Draft Bill 346, and puts it to the final vote concerning the Act amending the Water Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted Bill 346 as an Act, with 59 members voting in favour, 0 against, and 0 abstaining.