Procedure acceleration at the expense of environmental and nature conservation? Naturfreunde Austria raise the alarm

The legislative proposal of the Styrian Renewable expansion acceleration law (Steauch), which has been available since last week, promises a faster expansion of renewable energies through simplified approval procedures. But the nature lovers Austria/Styria see this a dangerous weakening of environmental and nature conservation law. The planned elimination of the revision law of the environmental administrator to the Administrative Court – a serious interference in the rule of law and the protection of our nature is worrying.

Nature lovers demand legal protection options: “Nature cannot speak for themselves”

“The fact that one can call maximum courts if you are confronted with a supposed decision in an official or judicial procedure is a core element of the rule of law,” explains Jürgen Dumpelnik, Chairman of the Nature Friends Styria. “To abolish or restrict this right, holds potentially adverse consequences for each of us. If an authority decides arbitrarily against a useful project, you need legal protection opportunities. Decisions at the expense of the environment are usually irreversible – nature cannot speak for itself. It is therefore needed effective official parties such as the environmental and strong environmental NGOs to protect public interests. ”

Criticism of the planned elimination of revision law: burden for NGOs

The most extensive intervention see nature lovers in the event of a law of revision of the environmental administrator at the Administrative Court. According to the nature lovers, the desire for acceleration of procedures is an advanced efficiency solution – but at the expense of nature and the environment. “The elimination would not only weaken the protection of nature, but also significantly restrict democratic control over official decisions,” warns Günter Abraham, federal manager of nature lovers Austria.

In addition to this weakening of the rule of law, nature lovers also criticize the shortening of the contact period for notices from six to two weeks. This makes it even more difficult for environmental organizations to write statements.

Donations to environmental associations: weakening of NGOs at the expense of our environment

The nature lovers indicate the latest developments in Salzburg, where donations to environmental associations have been targeted by the government there. “Such actions endanger and undermine the commitment of civil society organizations that are committed to protecting our livelihoods,” said Abraham.

Naturfreunde Austria appeal to all political decision-makers to critically question the Styrian amendment to the Renewable Expansion Acceleration Act and ensure that the protection of our environment is not sacrificed to the desire for quick implementation. A strong climate policy requires legal protection in the right places – to restrict it can have irreversible consequences. Because nature itself cannot raise its voice.