Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Environmental Levies Act (615 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political platform involves strong opposition to inefficient and costly industrial green energy projects (wind farms, solar parks), which are viewed as restricting the rights of local communities and landowners. It supports an amendment to the Environmental Charges Act that would extend the impact zone of wind turbines to 20 kilometers in order to protect residents from disturbances. The criticism targets the value-based division between urban and rural residents and is heavily focused on policy and efficiency.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise in the energy sector, particularly concerning grid stability and economic viability, utilizing specific terminology such as "frequency market" and "inverter." They present concrete statistical data regarding the land footprint required by various energy generation methods to highlight the inefficient use of space by wind farms. Their arguments are supported by calculations, relevant literature, and direct quotes from the CEO of Enefit Green.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is combative, critical, and direct, combining logical arguments (analysis of costs and land use) with emotional appeals (the defense of landscape aesthetics). It employs irony and sharp phrases (e.g., "talk looking down from an ivory tower") and accuses opponents of engaging in "terrible demagoguery." It references private conversations to highlight the contradiction between the opposing side's public and private positions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the bill's discussion with both questions and a long speech. They refer to the committee's recent field trip to the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm, which indicates active involvement in legislative oversight and fact-gathering.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the Reform Party, which is accused of demagoguery, unbelievable promises, and underestimating rural residents. Criticism is also aimed at specific individuals (Yoko Alender, Kadastik), whose business models in the energy sector are considered to be corrupting the system and personally profitable. Opponents are labeled "apologists for green energy" and are accused of refusing to look in the mirror.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is deficient and adversarial; a willingness to compromise is not expressed. Rather, the dishonesty of the opposing side (the Reform Party) is emphasized in public debate. It is noted that opponents acknowledge the validity of their arguments in private conversations but refuse to acknowledge it publicly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the rights of rural areas and local communities, specifically mentioning the restrictions in Haanja and Lahemaa. It defends rural residents against the condescending attitude of the urban elite (from their ivory tower), who view country folk as poorly informed. It emphasizes the importance of preserving Estonia's visual landscape without large industrial facilities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the high costs and inefficiency of green energy, stressing the necessity for expensive grid investments and batteries. It accuses the current system of operating under an unfair business model where wind turbines destabilize the grid, and others profit from balancing it—costs that are ultimately paid for by all consumers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the text focuses on the social divide between rural inhabitants and the urban elite, defending the right of rural residents to be informed and to use their property without frivolous restrictions. It warns against the doctrine of disregarding laws, which could lead to grassroots resistance ("pitchforks and scythes").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting Draft Amendment 615 SE to the Environmental Charges Act, which aims to increase the impact zone of wind turbines to 20 kilometers. Furthermore, he/she criticizes the lack of realism and feasibility regarding the 100% renewable energy goal stipulated in the law, arguing that the state is sending the wrong message to its citizens.
4 Speeches Analyzed