Greenpeace: WKO’s “Energy Master Plan” attack on climate protection and basic democratic rights

Greenpeace criticizes the WKO’s leaked “energy master plan” as catastrophic, both from an ecological and democratic perspective. The plan does not provide for an exit from fossil fuels, on the contrary: climate-damaging gas is to be promoted. At the same time, greenwashing measures such as e-fuels and dangerous technologies such as CO2 storage are being used. Environmental organizations that have rights to participate in proceedings under international law should be excluded.

Greenpeace spokeswoman Ursula Bittner: “The WKO’s leaked draft is not a master plan, but rather a kowtow to the fossil fuel industry, including a muzzle for environmental protection organizations.”

According to the WKO, climate-damaging gas in particular should even be promoted. There should be “special permits” if security of supply is affected. An “investment-friendly climate” is to be created for fossil gas production in Austria; energy taxes, for example on natural gas, are to be permanently limited to the EU minimum.

Furthermore, the party status of environmental organizations should be undermined. This is a key tool for stopping projects that have serious negative impacts on the environment. This right to information and legal action is guaranteed by the international Aarhus Convention.

Bittner: “The fact that the WKO actually wants to undermine these basic democratic rights shows that it is not acting in the interests of the people in Austria, but primarily wants to clear the way for fossil companies. We advise the incoming government to dispose of this plan as soon as it receives it.”