TIWAG- framework prescribed despite considerable criticism - objectives of the Water Framework Directive in the distance
The conclusion to this amendment to the Tyrolean Nature Conservation Act, which aims to legal legitimacy for the increased use of hydropower falls, sobering: "We reject in the amendment provided, excessive benefits of projects under the guise of the energy transition, especially in the area of hydropower, "says Gerhard Heilingbrunner, honorary president of the environmental umbrella organization.
In order to achieve a self-sufficient power supply in the entire territory of the country by 2030 the government agreement to legitimize the further expansion of hydroelectric power. According to energy balance produced by Statistics Austria Tirol Here the Tyrolean hydropower plants already consumes energy in 2012 to power the country.
A further extension would therefore not contribute to the self-sufficiency goals formulated in the novella yet still significantly influence climate protection, energy import dependence.
Nature Conservation Act Amendment contradicts EU Directives and the Aarhus Convention
The currently planned in the Tiroler Oberland projects - including large power plants Kaunertal and Kühtai - would be significant cause adverse effects on habitats of birds and other species of European importance, thus undermine the protection provisions of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat and Birds Directive (Natura 2000).
In addition, the protection status of the rest of the areas is in favour of the construction of these power plants will be greatly softened." From our perspective, this is a clear case of legislation motivated, that the law was an ad hoc basis - adapted to the plans of the energy industry - modified, with the absurd consequence that the environmental legislation favouring projects with adverse impacts on the environment instead of limiting them,". Another downside: The party position Rights of environmental NGOs were still not enshrined in the novel - although the European Commission has already opened in July this year, an infringement procedure due to the lack of appeal rights of NGOs in environmental proceedings against the Republic of Austria, as this against the Aarhus Convention and against European law obligations contrary.
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