Hundreds of Amendments Await EU Legislators in Key Climate Policy Votes
The European Parliament will vote this week on a slew of EU climate change policies aimed at reducing Europe's emissions over the next decade, with some of the most ambitious ideas facing multiple amendments.
The proposals aim to put the European Union, which comprises 27 countries and is the world's third-largest economy, on track to meet its goal of decreasing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030.
On Tuesday, the EU parliament will discuss eight ideas and vote on them on Wednesday, confirming its position for final legislation negotiations with EU members.
Hundreds of changes are being considered by parliamentarians that might strengthen or decrease the impact of the EU's climate policies.
According to an original plan by the European Commission, which produces EU rules, this would strengthen the scheme's goal of reducing emissions by 61 per cent for the industries it covers by 2030.
Some lawmakers will want to increase it to a 67 per cent reduction in emissions. The lead lawmaker on carbon market reform, Peter Liese, said he was "optimistic" that a deal for a 63 per cent reduction would gain majority support.
Another proposal crucial to the EU's climate goal would require a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035, effectively prohibiting the sale of new combustion engine vehicles. The EPP, the parliament's largest lawmaker group, plans to amend the bill to reduce the CO2 reduction to 90%.
Meanwhile, legislators appear to be reversing proposals for a new EU carbon market that would impose CO2 penalties on polluting fuels used in buildings and transportation. The environment committee of Parliament agreed last month to limit the scheme to the commercial sector, leaving private customers out.
A close vote is also expected on the EU's world-first plan to put a CO2 fee on imports of carbon-intensive items such as steel and cement, with MPs divided on how swiftly the system should replace the free CO2 permits such industries currently receive.
One of the options up for the vote on Wednesday is a free CO2 permit phase-out by 2030, 2032, or 2035. Industries have encouraged lawmakers not to move the deadline ahead, as this would increase the cost of pollution.
Source: Reuters
