In an internal paper from the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), from which Ö1 was quoted Friday, the industry is committed to climate protection and wants to be a “key driver”. However, according to the April 8 cheat sheet, “a suspension, review and joint reassessment of climate policy decisions” is needed at both EU and national levels. Criticism comes from environmental groups and the Greens.
At EU level, IV means the Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” program with the stricter CO2 savings targets, in Austria the Climate Protection Act (KSG), Renewable Heat Act (EWG) and Energy Efficiency Act (EEffG). They want to invite politicians for a “climate retreat” – “to build a realistic carbon neutral roadmap”. The paper states that “decarbonization should not lead to deindustrialization”.
Green spokesperson for climate protection: “Incredible”
Sharp criticism comes from the Greens: “It is incomprehensible that the industrialists’ association wants to block laws that should make a significant contribution to greater independence of Russia’s gas supply,” said climate protection spokesman Lukas Hammer. “While everyone is talking about energy savings, the IV wants to eradicate the Energy Savings Act.”
Climate goals in constitution “red line” for industry
With regard to the KSG, climate goals with constitutional status are said to be the “red line” of the IV. The law is two years late. It should become the framework for climate protection and regulate the amount of greenhouse gases that can be produced. The EWG, which is intended to regulate how quickly stoves are replaced, reads: “No attack on existing gas stoves.”
Global 2000: “Energy Policy Ghost Journey”
“In this way, the IV blocks a safe and clean heat supply for everyone in Austria,” criticized Global 2000. “One cannot commit to the climate targets and at the same time demand that all decisions be suspended.” The IV must “quickly end the ghost journey of energy policy”. Greenpeace also found the IV position paper “highly problematic”. “The federal government must not be misled by the IV’s cheap lobbying efforts, but must quickly present ambitious climate and energy laws,” says Greenpeace climate expert Jasmin Duregger.
Russian gas “no medium-term alternative”?
In the medium term, according to the IV document, there is no substitute for two-thirds of the gas volumes from Russia. “There is no medium-term alternative to Russian gas. Without gas, there is a risk of production standstill and mass unemployment.” On Friday, the IV stated that it had already communicated its views publicly and that Austrian industry was not slowing down on climate protection, but was a pioneer. “Of course we as an industry support the climate protection goals”, but it depends on the road to get there.
Source: Krone
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