Politics Council of States wants to speed up procedures for the construction of energy plants
Parliament wants to speed up the approval process for the construction of renewable energy plants. The Council of States is going further than the National Council and has decided not to allow association complaints for 16 hydropower projects.
19.12.2024, 11:59
SDA
This concerns 16 projects in the cantons of Valais, Bern, Graubünden, Ticino and Uri. These include a new reservoir in the Gorner area above Zermatt VS and an increase in the capacity of Lake Grimsel.
The small chamber does not want to allow any appeals by associations against the hydropower projects mentioned in the energy decree approved by the people. This decision was made by 28 votes to 15 with one abstention. The majority wanted the democratically legitimized projects to be implemented without delay.
A left-wing minority sharply criticized the decision. "The removal of the right of appeal by associations contradicts the principles of a constitutional state," said Simon Stocker (SP/SH). The entire bill was jeopardized by the decision.
In the overall vote, the Council of States approved the so-called acceleration decree by 35 votes to 5 with 4 abstentions. The matter will now go back to the National Council for a vote on the differences.
