Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Water Act (346 SE)
2024-01-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of cautious support for the environmentally friendly concept (water reuse), but strong opposition to the potential bureaucratic burden and sheer volume of regulations that accompany it. Emphasis is placed on the quality and practical viability of the draft bill, as the current proposal is considered more of a "rough draft."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding regulatory impact assessment (specifically, the increase in bureaucracy and workload) and the technical challenges associated with water reuse, particularly concerning water quality assessment (for instance, when watering children's playgrounds). Furthermore, the potential for utilizing substances generated during wastewater treatment as raw materials is raised, along with the necessity of analyzing the total volume of potable water saved.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and inquisitive, focusing on logical arguments and the details of implementation. The tone is constructive and collaborative, offering assistance to the ministry in refining the draft bill, while simultaneously expressing concern regarding the growth of bureaucracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the procedure and quality of the preparation of the draft bill (which they refer to as a "rough draft"), not at individuals or opposing parties. The intensity of the criticism is moderate, focusing on the deficiencies in the data and analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is open and constructive. The speaker commits to contributing to the refinement of the draft bill and requests additional data from the ministry so that the legislative work can be more substantive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are centered on minimizing the regulatory burden to prevent an increase in bureaucracy and staffing requirements. Interest is also being shown in the circular economy, exploring opportunities to use wastewater components as raw materials, which suggests a potential economic benefit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue addressed is public health and safety, which is linked to assessing the quality of irrigation water, referencing, for example, the watering of children's playgrounds.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical scrutiny of the draft amendment to the Water Act (Bill 346 SE). The speaker's role is to improve the quality of the draft by requiring more precise data on water conservation and resource reuse, while simultaneously reducing the potential bureaucratic burden.
2 Speeches Analyzed