Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Draft law amending the Environmental Levies Act (615 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position represents strong opposition to the government's environmental fees and renewable energy policy, especially regarding the giant wind turbines. The speaker emphasizes that the promise of 100% renewable energy is utopian and that the projects are not economically viable. The central viewpoint involves channeling and safeguarding the real concerns of citizens and the environment (including animals), while accusing the government of ridiculing these very concerns.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of the Environmental Charges Act, citing a particular section (§ 553) and its technical error. Insights are provided regarding wind turbine impact assessments, focusing specifically on the cacophony created by light, shadows, and sound, and the resulting impact on birds and animals. Reference is also made to earlier discussions held within the Environmental Committee and the absence of necessary financial instruments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, urgent, and at times emotional, employing sharp phrases such as "cacophony" and "drives one crazy." The speaker highlights the repetitive nature of the opposition's proposed bills and the government's impotence, balancing the presentation of citizens' concerns with economic arguments (project failures). Sarcasm is also utilized, specifically when referring to the minister as an "old banker."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the legislative process during the first reading and references earlier discussions held in the Environment Committee. Recent communication with businesses is mentioned ("including as recently as today"), which demonstrates ongoing engagement with stakeholders. The repetitive nature of the topic is highlighted (eight similar bills on the same day).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Eesti 200, who are accused of ridiculing citizens' concerns and simply tossing them aside. Criticism is also aimed at the ministry's failure to develop the necessary financial instruments, despite the minister being an "old banker." The speaker also criticizes the lack of impact assessments for the draft legislation, although admitting that it is difficult for the opposition to ensure this.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is opposition-centric, acknowledging the shared concerns of Isamaa, EKRE, and the Centre Party, which are evidenced by eight similar draft bills. It is emphasized that parliamentarians channel the worries of citizens regardless of their political affiliation. Simultaneously, the political cyclicality of the ruling parties is criticized, noting the lack of recurring solutions to persistent problems.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is at the local level, centering on the wind turbine impact zones and the application of the local benefit mechanism within a 20 km radius. The degradation of the Estonian national landscape is mentioned, citing Lahemaa as an example and stressing that Estonia is highly diverse.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are critical regarding the financial viability of renewable energy projects, arguing that the projects "won't pencil out" and the subsidies are insufficient. The necessity for financial instruments is emphasized, and there is concern for the financial well-being of both entrepreneurs and local residents. The government's actions are considered ineffective, especially concerning financial matters.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is aimed at the fundamental changes occurring in people's living environment and health, which are caused by the pollution and noise generated by wind turbines. It is demanded that residents living within a 20-kilometer radius start receiving money in their pockets to alleviate the burden and ensure local benefit.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act Amending the Environmental Charges Act (615 SE), the purpose of which is to expand the local benefit instrument and ensure compensation for residents in affected areas. The speaker supports eight similar opposition bills that aim to address the genuine concerns of the public, despite the lack of an impact analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed