Agenda Profile: Mario Kadastik
The first reading of the draft resolution (569 OE) of the Riigikogu, "Proposal to the Government of the Republic to temporarily suspend the processing of all planning procedures related to wind farms, with a deferral until the establishment of an up-to-date methodology for infrasound measurements and the setting of limit values for sound pressure levels."
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to Bill 569 OE, which seeks to halt the planning of wind farms due to concerns about infrasound. This position is policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of energy production and arguing that these fears stem from a lack of knowledge, not scientific data. The speaker stresses the need to continue development efforts, referencing the Ministry of Climate’s position regarding the current energy deficit.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates exceptional expertise in the fields of acoustics and physics, explaining the exponential relationships between infrasound, the decibel scale, and sound intensity. Technical terms are used (Pascals, 4-hertz frequency), and references are made to scientific literature, Health Board data, and international practices (the Netherlands, Finland). It is specifically highlighted that the problem of infrasound generation is significantly smaller in newer wind turbines thanks to the correction of design flaws.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly analytical, logical, and data-driven, utilizing scientific facts and physical analogies (e.g., climbing stairs, a car with an open window) to refute arguments. The tone is authoritative and occasionally sharp, accusing opponents of inciting people based on ignorance. Instead of relying on emotional appeals, the focus is placed on scientific evidence and debunking myths (e.g., the "brown attack").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is acting as the representative of the Economic Affairs Committee, providing an overview of the substance and consensus decisions from the two committee sessions (March 17 and 24). This indicates active participation in the committee's work and the performance of the rapporteur's role before the Riigikogu.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opponents are being criticized for attempting to "incite panic based on ignorance" and for presenting a bill that lacks scientific justification. The criticism is directed both at the content of the proposed legislation and the opponents' deficient understanding, drawing parallels to unseen and unfelt dangers (such as radiation or carbon monoxide). Furthermore, the nocebo effect is cited as the reason for the onset of symptoms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the consensus-based decisions made within the Economic Committee, covering both procedural matters and the process of moving the draft legislation to a final vote. Reference was made to cooperation with the relevant ministries (the Ministry of Climate and the Ministry of Social Affairs) and the utilization of international studies (from the Netherlands and Finland) and academic literature as the foundation for the analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Specifically regarding regions, the Saarde wind farm is mentioned in connection with the final decision of the studies conducted there, which confirmed that no higher readings were observed. Internationally, the focus is on the practices of the Netherlands and Finland, as they already have similar or equally tall wind turbines in operation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support the continuation and development of energy production, emphasizing the overall energy deficit and opposing regulatory suspensions that would impede the construction of wind farms. The objective is to ensure energy demand is met, utilizing modeling and analogies for the new, taller turbines.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are the perceptions of public health and environmental impact, bringing the nocebo effect to the forefront. The speaker asserts that scientific literature has not established causal links between infrasound and health risks, noting further that everyday household appliances generate higher infrasound levels than wind turbines.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing Draft Bill 569 OE (the temporary suspension of wind farm planning), recommending a vote against it. The speaker's role, as the representative of the lead committee, is to summarize the substantive debate on the bill and convey the committee's consensus decision for the final vote.
4 Speeches Analyzed