Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Second reading of the Draft Act amending the Building Code and other Acts (Acceleration of the Deployment of Renewable Energy) (308 SE)
2024-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the bill under discussion (308 SE), which aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, particularly the construction of offshore wind farms. The criticism centers on the idea that the ends justify the means, highlighting poor planning, environmental damage, and excessive costs for the taxpayer. The speaker calls into question the government’s priorities, criticizing how "climate" has become a "mantra" at the expense of the environment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in energy planning, environmental impact assessment, and infrastructure costs. Specific technical details are utilized, such as the merging of three permits (the site development permit, water permit, and construction permit) and the width of the 330-kilovolt power line protection zone (80–100 meters). Specific cost projections are presented, including 3 billion euros for the renewable energy charge and 2 billion euros for the construction of the electricity grid.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical, cautionary, and skeptical, employing strong logical appeals that call into question the economic viability of the projects (5 times cheaper on land). Ethical and environmental responsibility is emphasized, highlighting the danger of irreparable damage if things are done sloppily and too quickly. Irony is used, referencing the Lavassaare example and the cost of changing the ministry's name.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the bill's initiators and the Ministry of Climate, who face criticism for rushing the process, neglecting environmental concerns, and squandering taxpayer funds. The criticism is twofold: procedural (the merging of permits into an expedited process) and substantive (the unreasonable location and cost of the projects). Specifically, critics emphasize that the fight against climate change is being carried out at the expense of environmental harm.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding cooperation, the speaker agrees with colleague Andres that bureaucracy should be reduced, but stresses that this must not come at the expense of research and quality. The remainder of the speech focuses on opposition and criticism, offering no direct references to a wider cross-party compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus on Saaremaa and Muhu, highlighting the issues associated with the offshore wind farm planned for Saaremaa’s immediate vicinity (10 km from the coast). Emphasis is placed on the negative impact that the construction of a new electricity grid (from Estonia to Latvia) will have on the forests of Saaremaa and Muhu, as well as on 80,000 property owners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress fiscal responsibility and cost control. They criticize the prioritization of offshore wind farms, noting they are five times more expensive than their onshore counterparts. Concerns are raised about overburdening consumers with renewable energy tariffs and network fees that negate the theoretical decrease in electricity prices. Furthermore, the expenditure of 2 million euros on changing the name of a ministry is also criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative attention is currently focused on opposing Bill 308 SE, which aims to accelerate the permitting procedure for offshore wind farms by consolidating three separate permits. There is a demand for a more thorough study, and emphasis is placed on the necessity of factoring in the projects' decommissioning costs (in comparison to nuclear power plants), a step that has been omitted for offshore wind farms.
2 Speeches Analyzed