Agenda Profile: Hanah Lahe

The core position is strong support for climate policy, the Green Transition, and the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is considered a vital tool for sustainable development. The political framework is value-based and forward-looking, underscoring the need to transition toward a cleaner and more climate-resilient economy. The speaker sharply contrasts this with backward-looking policies and support for fossil fuels, viewing climate change as an existential threat that harms the economy and biodiversity. The political message emphasizes intelligence, flexibility, and credibility, rejecting any return to "yesterday's day."

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of climate policy and the energy market, drawing on information and assessments provided by experts at the Ministry of Climate. Technical terms are employed (HKS, temporary exception, investment certainty), and a systematic explanation is presented regarding the utilization of HKS revenues (building renovation, infrastructure, sustainable mobility). Furthermore, international climate targets (China 2060) are referenced, and the unsustainability of US climate policy is analyzed.

The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and at times personal, especially toward the opposition, who are accused of spreading "lies" and "conspiracy theories." The rhetoric balances logical arguments (HKS revenue of 200 million euros per year, expert assessments) with emotional expressions (shameful, anguish, stupidity). The speaker emphasizes the need to discuss energy issues honestly and based on facts, while simultaneously criticizing the opposition's interruptions and rude behavior in the chamber.

The speaker serves as a member of the Environment Committee and represents the committee's coalition-side position during the debate on the draft legislation. Reference is made to participation in the committee session on May 5th, where officials from the Ministry of Climate were heard. The speaker’s pattern of activity involves active participation in the parliamentary debate, responding to questions and providing a summary of the committee’s discussion.

The opposition primarily consists of EKRE, Isamaa, and the Centre Party, who are fiercely criticized for denying climate change, ignoring scientific information, and spreading "ideological madness." The criticism is intense and accusatory, alleging that the opponents are turning a blind eye to global trends and misleading voters. In addition to political criticism, there are personal confrontations, specifically referencing Helle-Moonika Helme's interruptions and impolite behavior in the chamber.

Cooperation clearly takes place at the expert level between the coalition and the Ministry of Climate, whose professional responses and assessments are endorsed. A proposal was made in the committee to unanimously move the draft bill to a final vote, but there was no substantive collaboration with the initiators of the bill. In the international context, the necessity of reaching consensus with other countries is stressed in order to make joint appeals at the EU level.

The focus is strongly centered on the European Union, emphasizing the benefits derived from EU membership and the importance of the ETS system. In the Estonian context, oil shale and its economic unviability are mentioned. Furthermore, global trendsetters (China, USA) are analyzed within the context of climate policy to demonstrate the correctness of the direction chosen by Estonia.

Support is given to economic growth that is linked to cleanliness and climate resilience, while investments in fossil fuels are deemed unreasonable. The importance of investment security is emphasized, as is the systematic use of HKS revenue (averaging 200 million euros annually) for developing infrastructure, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility in Estonia. Oil shale electricity is considered expensive and economically unsound.

Social issues are not directly addressed, but it is emphasized that energy matters and the cost of living are sensitive topics for people, which must be handled honestly and based on facts. The impact of climate change on people and the economy has been highlighted as a major concern.

The main legislative activity is the opposition to Riigikogu Draft Decision 619 OE, which seeks exemption from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas. The speaker continues to support the current HKS system as the best instrument for Estonia's sustainable development and financing. Rail Baltic is also supported as a component of green and sustainable development.