Cantonal Council SO New Solothurn energy law clearly approved
Energy is to be used more efficiently and in a more climate-friendly manner in the canton of Solothurn in future. Following an intensive debate, the Solothurn Cantonal Council has approved the total revision of the Energy Act and rejected various amendments proposed by the SVP.
The new energy law was clearly adopted on Wednesday with 78 yes to 19 no votes. This was preceded by an intensive debate and votes on various amendments.
The Cantonal Council largely agreed that the Canton of Solothurn's Energy Act, which has been in force for 30 years, needs to be updated to bring it into line with current energy and climate policy. The draft for a new energy law focuses on incentives, promotion and personal responsibility, it said.
"40 percent of our energy consumption is in buildings and this accounts for a third of CO2 emissions," said Councillor Brigit Wyss (Greens). The canton must therefore take action in this area.
Edgar Kupper (center) demanded that, in principle, the municipalities should remain the building permit authority for the construction of large wind and solar power plants. It was not acceptable to curtail the rights of the municipalities and promote the construction of wind turbines "come hell or high water". His motion was rejected by 44 votes to 51.
Various SVP motions, some of which were supported by the FDP, did not stand a chance. For example, the SVP did not want any additional requirements for new buildings to generate their own electricity, as the minimum federal requirements were sufficient.
No ban on oil-fired heating systems
The new law does not include a ban on fossil fuel heating systems. However, in order to achieve the national targets for the replacement of oil and gas heating systems, binding CO2 target values are envisaged. These are to be complied with when a new fossil heating system is installed or an existing heating system is replaced.
Permanently installed electric resistance heating systems will be banned. Charging stations will be co-financed in order to promote electric mobility. New buildings must also be designed in such a way that charging stations can be easily installed at a later date.
In 2018, voters resoundingly rejected an earlier proposal for a new Energy Act with a 70.5% no-vote share. Among other things, the failed law stipulated that central electric boilers in residential buildings would have had to be replaced by 2030.
SDA
