Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Second reading of the Draft Act (359 SE) on amendments to the Law on the Organization of the Energy Economy, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act
2024-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the rapid development of wind farms, which are labeled a "greenwashing project" and an "invasion." This stance is value-based, emphasizing the protection of the natural environment, property values, and the quality of rural life. They also criticize the rushed and inadequate nature of the draft legislation, pointing out that it fails to include other forms of renewable energy, such as nuclear power.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge regarding the negative impacts of wind farms, utilizing technical terminology (infrasound, shadow flicker, vibration, subsidies). Specific data is presented concerning the drop in property values (80–100%), the height of the turbines (up to 300 m), and the radius of infrasound impact (up to 15 km). The assessment covers environmental impact, health hazards, and economic competitiveness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly combative and alarming, utilizing strong metaphors such as "wind farm forests" and "invasion." Emotional arguments (the loss of silence and peace, health disorders) are balanced by detailed, albeit dramatic, data regarding the negative effects. The tone is critical and emphasizes the detrimental consequences of the policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The available data is limited to appearances during the Riigikogu session for the purpose of submitting questions and presenting the faction's position, during which additional time was requested. There is no information regarding the frequency of appearances, regular activities, or travel.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the wind farm developers and the government's green transition policy, which supports wind energy through subsidies. The criticism is aimed both at the substance of the policy (expensive, uncompetitive energy) and the procedural aspects (the short duration of the law and the haste involved). The faction rules out supporting the bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is representing the faction's position, which is antagonistic toward the draft bill, and refers to the previous stance taken by another colleague (Andres Metsoja). There is no evidence of openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation regarding this specific draft bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on rural and sparsely populated areas, emphasizing the negative impact on local residents and property owners. Specific attention is also drawn to the damage caused to nature tourism, rural tourism, green corridors, and Natura 2000 sites.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the subsidization of wind energy (including grants and renewable energy charges), arguing that it is prohibitively expensive for taxpayers and fundamentally uncompetitive. High energy costs are the primary cause of economic stagnation and corporate bankruptcies. Emphasis is also placed on the economic damage suffered by property owners due to the resulting decline in real estate values.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the decline in the quality of life and health among rural residents, stemming from noise, infrasound, vibration, and light flickering (shadow flicker). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of protecting people's right to quiet and peace around their homes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is a staunch opponent of the draft bill (359 SE), focusing on its deficiencies (the omission of nuclear energy, its short duration) and the negative impact it would have on environmental and energy management legislation. The objective is to block the adoption of laws that facilitate the development of wind farms.
4 Speeches Analyzed