Agenda Profile: Tarmo Tamm
Draft law (667 SE) for amending the Atmosphere Protection Act and other laws (partial transposition of amendments to the directive on greenhouse gas emission trading) - second reading
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance expresses strong support for the adoption of the European Union's climate policy, particularly the expansion of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) for greenhouse gases to include maritime transport. This position is primarily rooted in policy and legal certainty, underscoring the necessity of meeting EU commitments, avoiding penalties, and promoting the uptake of modern technologies. The bill is supported as a measure that will clean up the environment and ensure all EU companies compete on a level playing field.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates high competence in the transposition of EU climate law and the ETS (Emissions Trading System) Directive, referencing specific regulations and implementing decisions (e.g., the delegated regulation of 12.10.2023). Presents detailed data concerning the obligations and compensation measures imposed on shipping companies (approximately 8 million EUR in levies, 25 million EUR for environmental support). Bases its justifications on the opinions of the Riigikogu Legal and Analysis Department regarding the principles of legitimate expectation and legal certainty.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural in the part concerning the commission's report, becoming explanatory and defensive when answering questions. It strongly appeals to logic and legal necessity, emphasizing that Estonia lacks any margin of discretion regarding the provisions of the directive. It employs direct rebuttals and corrects colleagues' misinformation (e.g., on the topic of letters) to ensure factual clarity.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Serves as the rapporteur for the Environment Committee, leading the second reading of the bill and presenting the committee's standpoints. References two committee sessions (June 17 and August 25) and the scheduled date for the third reading (September 17, 2025). Mentions consultations held with industry representatives (Estonian Shipowners' Association, Viru Keemia Grupp).
29 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at Andres Metsoja's amendment proposal, the rejection of which is justified by citing a conflict with EU law and the potential for placing Estonian businesses at a disadvantage. [The subject] criticizes Urmas Reinsalu's assertions regarding letters allegedly sent to the commission, labeling them misleading and clarifying that the letters had previously been sent to the Government of the Republic.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It demonstrates cooperation within the Environment Committee, presenting nine technical amendments proposed by the committee and the committee’s joint decision to disregard Metsoja’s proposal. It emphasizes that key industry representatives were consulted during the preparation of the draft bill.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian shipping companies and their competitiveness in the EU market, citing the example of Tallink's situation in Estonia and Finland. It also mentions a specific regional disparity regarding the tax exemption for ice-class vessels, which is necessitated by Estonia's harsher climatic conditions.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports regulation that creates a level playing field for all EU companies, considering it a reasonable strategy. It advocates for state compensation (wage subsidies and €25 million in environmental support) for shipping companies to mitigate the impact of the new tax and prevent vessels from flagging out to other jurisdictions. It views the tax as a measure subject to phased reduction, which incentivizes businesses to become more environmentally sustainable.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient information.
29 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act (667 SE) to ensure the proper and legally certain transposition of EU directives. It emphasizes that these constitute clear temporal and quantitative obligations for the Member State, regarding which there is no margin of discretion.
29 Speeches Analyzed