Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the Draft Act amending the Protection of Ambient Air Act and other Acts (Transposition of Amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive) (697 SE)
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the current regulations governing the construction of wind farms, especially concerning inadequate mitigation measures and the health risks associated with infrasound. The focus is placed on the quality of policy and data, challenging the safety conclusions presented by the government. The speaker demands appropriate mitigation measures and a modern, science-based approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates technical expertise in the field of wind energy, differentiating between older and newer turbine types (200 kW vs 6–7 MW) and addressing the impact of infrasound. Specific sources and data are utilized to back up the arguments, referencing a 15-year-old study and the 2018 WHO guideline. This expertise is leveraged to challenge the credibility of official positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, interrogative, and confrontational, particularly in the second address, where dissatisfaction with the minister’s response is expressed without prior warning ("I know that your answer will not satisfy me. I am informing you that your answer is unsatisfactory."). The argumentation is logical and relies on facts (the age of the studies, the WHO guideline), presenting a sharp challenge to the government's positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in the first reading of the draft bill and referencing recent attendance at a committee session ("the committee meeting took place yesterday—or was it the day before yesterday?"). This pattern of activity indicates a swift reaction to the information presented by the committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Minister and the government, whose positions are being intensely criticized because they rely on outdated (15-year-old) and inadequate research. The criticism is both policy- and evidence-based, challenging the credibility of the official conclusions and issuing a direct challenge over the disregard for WHO guidance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on local application and implementation issues, specifically referencing the large wind turbines (6–7 megawatts) planned for Estonia and their potential impact on human health. This highlights concerns for local communities who are directly affected by these major energy projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is public health and safety, highlighting the serious problems that infrasound generated by wind turbines poses to human health. The guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) are used to underscore these health concerns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act (697 SE) amending the Atmospheric Air Protection Act and other acts. The speaker is critical of the amendments to the Energy Sector Organization Act concerning the establishment of wind power plants and the mitigation of impacts.
2 Speeches Analyzed