Session Profile: Rain Epler

The speaker is in strong opposition to the government’s current energy and climate policy, deeming it unreasonable and ideologically driven, which he believes will lead to a decline in Estonia’s economic competitiveness. He strongly advocates for developing dispatchable capacity (oil shale) in the short term and nuclear energy in the long term, prioritizing affordable energy and national interests. He sharply criticizes the 100% renewable energy mandate and the carbon quota system.

The speaker demonstrates profound technical and economic expertise in the energy sector, utilizing specific terminology (reserve capacity, frequency market, exajoules, TWh, capacity factor 90% vs 40%). He relies on the opinions of analysts and refers to specific EU legal acts (Article 122) as well as international examples (China, USA, Poland, Spain). Furthermore, he is well-versed in the details of environmental law and infringement proceedings (Natura sites).

The speaker’s style is predominantly combative, critical, and sarcastic, accusing opponents (including officials) of lying, misleading, and spouting nonsense. He draws on strong historical parallels (the Soviet Union, Lysenkoism, the nationalization of the 1940s) and uses concepts such as "virtue signaling." His appeals are primarily logical and economic, contrasting physics and mathematics with ideology.

The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, repeatedly asking questions and providing lengthy background explanations concerning both their own draft legislation and other items on the agenda. They refer to previous proposals (the state budget) and are committed to thoroughly presenting their initiatives (the CO2 quota exemption).

The main opponents are coalition politicians (the Reform Party) and officials from the Ministry of Climate, who are accused of ideological rigidity and ignoring the state's interests. The criticism is intense and often personal (including accusations of lying), particularly concerning energy and environmental policy. He/She also criticizes the government's duplicity in implementing quotas.

The politician primarily focuses on sharply criticizing the policies of the coalition and officials, questioning their rationality and the validity of their data, while labeling opposing viewpoints as absurd, perverse, or naive. He submitted a proposal seeking an exemption from the CO2 quota, stressing the necessity of cooperating with neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) during negotiations with the European Commission. However, he expressed little confidence in receiving support from the coalition. The only positive cross-party acknowledgment was reserved for Hanah Laht (from the coalition) for thinking along the right lines.

The focus is strongly national, highlighting Estonia's unique position due to its oil shale reserves and the goal of re-establishing Estonia as the "powerhouse" of the Baltics. It employs international comparisons (USA, China, Germany) in the context of European and Estonian competitiveness.

The speaker is a strong proponent of economic growth and competitiveness, emphasizing the critical role of affordable input energy (specifically targeting oil shale electricity at 30 EUR/MWh). He opposes regulations (CO2 quotas, Natura restrictions) that drive up costs. Furthermore, he defends private property, criticizing the state's plan to pay only half price for lands subject to restrictions.

The speaker opposes the introduction of gender quotas on private company boards, deeming it a naive and ineffective measure. They are skeptical of the climate hysteria, claiming it is a political tactic used to keep the public fearful and simplify governance.

The proposer introduced a bill aimed at mandating the Government of the Republic to initiate negotiations to obtain an exemption from the mandatory purchase of CO2 quotas (Art 122). He/She is an active opponent of bills concerning gender quotas on the boards of private companies and the prohibition of logging in Natura areas.