Agenda Profile: Tiit Maran
First reading of the Bill on the Amendment of the Earth Crust Act, the Land Cadastre Act, and the State Assets Act (Development of renewable energy production in an area with a mining permit) (698 SE)
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is supportive of the draft bill's main objective (developing renewable energy production in the mining area), deeming it "very sensible" and necessary. However, the speaker is a strong critic of the current form of the bill, labeling it "crude" and demanding a thorough revision, as it ignores crucial climate and biodiversity aspects. The position is heavily policy- and procedure-based, focusing specifically on the inadequacy of the ministry's analysis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in environmental sciences, particularly regarding the ecology and carbon cycle of peatlands (bogs). Technical data is provided on the CO2 emission potential of disturbed peat soils (750–4500 tonnes of CO2 annually per 150 hectares), and reference is made to relevant restoration regulations. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge of the departments and legislative procedures within the Ministry of Climate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, critical, and concerned, yet formal. Logical argumentation is employed, relying on facts (e.g., the size of mining areas and CO2 emission calculations) and procedural criticism (the lack of experts in ministry departments). The tone is critical of the ministry's workflow, but expresses hope for future improvements to the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative process, referring to their previous work on the committee where doubts regarding the substance of the draft bill arose. This speech is being delivered during the first reading of the bill in the Riigikogu.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Ministry of Climate, faulting it for a one-sided approach (focusing only on energy) and the failure to involve experts from key departments (climate, biodiversity) during the drafting of the bill. The criticism is both procedural and substantive, emphasizing the absence of analyses in the explanatory memorandum.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to cooperation and compromise, expressing hope that the Ministry of Climate will carry out the necessary analyses and make the required amendments before the second reading. This demonstrates a willingness to support the draft bill, provided its deficiencies are addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on specific land use issues in Estonia, particularly peat mining sites (150 ha) and the necessity of their restoration, which impacts the country's climate targets.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations favor the development of renewable energy, but stress that economic activity must be balanced with environmental protection. The draft bill is criticized because it could generate significant environmental costs (CO2 emissions) due to the failure to reclaim industrial sites.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the draft bill concerning amendments to the Geological Resources Act and related legislation (698 SE). The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill in its current iteration, demanding its fundamental revision and the completion of necessary analyses before the second reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed