Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amending the Subsurface Resources Act (121 SE)
2024-01-25
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly focused on boosting Estonia's competitiveness and national wealth by supporting an amendment to the Subsoil Act that would accelerate the permitting process for geological surveys. The bill is being presented as a necessary step to eliminate unnecessary procedural delays and address the lack of knowledge. The position is heavily policy-driven and results-oriented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the procedures for applying for a mineral resource exploration permit, highlighting the stage of requesting the local government's opinion and the resulting two-month time delay. He emphasizes that the issue of exploration should be a state-level concern, clearly differentiating it from mining decisions, where the local government (LGU) should have significant input.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is pragmatic and logical, focusing on streamlining processes and achieving national benefit. It employs appeals to wisdom ("the wise people's efforts") and future prospects, while simultaneously refuting fears that studies will automatically lead to mining. The tone is optimistic and inviting, requesting the support of the deputies.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker points to the introduction of the draft bill nearly a year ago, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to this particular legislative initiative.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism focuses on the failure of local governments (LGs) to provide expert assessments for research, leading to the unnecessary stalling of the process. Furthermore, there is criticism regarding the widespread fear that permitting studies automatically implies the start of mining operations, thereby hindering the acquisition of knowledge.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urged the deputies to support the bill, expressing a desire to see the legislative initiative passed. Specific forms of cooperation with other factions or a readiness to compromise were not mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, emphasizing Estonia's competitiveness and the growth of national wealth. Although local governments are part of the process, the speaker stresses that subsurface exploration should be a national issue.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are heavily focused on growth, which is to be achieved by staying informed about the status of natural resources and accelerating processes. Emphasis is placed on increasing national wealth and improving living standards, prioritizing efficiency over bureaucratic hurdles.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act amending the Earth's Crust Act (Bill 121 SE), the goal of which is to eliminate the requirement to seek the opinion of the local government during the geological survey permit procedure. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of this bill, believing it will improve life in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed