Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
There is strong opposition to the current model for developing wind energy, particularly concerning onshore wind turbines reaching heights of 250–300 meters. The political focus is centered on protecting citizens' constitutional rights, their living environment, and their health, while simultaneously accusing the state of implementing a green transition that is both unfair and lacks a scientific basis. This position is strongly value-driven, prioritizing justice and community engagement ahead of economic interests.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates high expertise concerning the technical parameters of wind energy (height up to 300 m, capacity up to 8 MW) and its environmental impacts (infrasound, low-frequency noise, shadow flicker, Bisphenol A). It utilizes detailed comparisons with regulations from other countries (the Finnish 8x rule, the German 10x rule) and criticizes the outdated nature and inadequacy of Estonian studies. It also demonstrates knowledge of local government processes (Vinni Rural Municipality) and administrative court proceedings.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, concerned, and urgent, employing strong emotional and moral appeals (e.g., "greenwashing," "wild west," "they are plundering a great deal"). The style is formal, but includes sharp accusations directed at the government and developers, emphasizing the necessity of justice and equal treatment. It utilizes both technical data (heights, power outputs) and narratives concerning quality of life and health.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active participation in the plenary session, serving as both the bill's rapporteur and the responder to questions, demonstrates a strong focus on legislative work. Previous activities mentioned include visiting the Saarde wind farm, participating in the environmental committee, and litigating against developers in the Tartu Administrative Court. This operational pattern suggests close interaction with local communities and municipalities.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is strong opposition to the actions taken by the government and developers, who are being accused of greenwashing, unfair planning, and completely disregarding the community. The text sharply criticizes the lack of legal clarity and the fact that developers are allowed to commission their own environmental impact assessment studies. It also points to the Reform Party's previous economic policy blunders (raising excise taxes, economic recession) and criticizes officials for their prejudiced attitude toward health concerns.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The focus is on protecting the interests of local governments (such as the Vinni rural municipality) and communities against the state and developers. A draft proposal is presented, indicating cooperation within its own political faction, but lacking any reference to broad, cross-party collaboration. The approach is rather confrontational, demanding intervention to remedy the existing legal asymmetry.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the impact of onshore wind turbines on outlying and rural areas, citing the Vinni municipality and the Saarde wind farm as examples. It uses Viimsi and Kakumäe as examples of locations where turbines are not installed near major population centers. The focus is expanded to include the regulations of Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Germany to highlight Estonia's inadequate approach.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Skeptical about the economic sustainability of current wind energy, considering it expensive, resource-intensive, and prone to bankruptcy, especially given the low productivity (20%). [The text/speaker] emphasizes the need for fair land-use compensation that would motivate communities, and expresses concern over the decline and competitiveness of the Estonian economy. It is believed that developers should compensate for the disturbances caused.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text focuses on the impact of wind farms on public health and quality of life, emphasizing the harmful effects of low-frequency noise, infrasound, and shadow flicker on the nervous system and sleep. It also raises the risk of bisphenol A (BPA) release from turbine blades and its potential impact on reproduction. It calls for serious consideration of people's mental health and their complaints.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative goal is to define the impact zone for onshore wind turbines 250 meters or higher as 20 kilometers, bringing it into alignment with the regulations governing offshore wind farms. This draft bill is supported/initiated by proponents focused on correcting legal asymmetry and injustice, and expanding the circle of recipients eligible for compensation payments (easement fees). It calls for the rapid updating of regulations so that they can keep pace with technological development.
22 Speeches Analyzed