Swiss Environmental Alliance Won't Challenge 'Acceleration Ordinance' for Renewable Energy
The Swiss Environmental Alliance has chosen not to challenge the so-called acceleration ordinance through a referendum. This ordinance, passed by the parliament, aims to simplify approval procedures and restrict appeal options for large renewable energy projects. The alliance, which includes organisations like Pro Natura, WWF, and Greenpeace, supports the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources but has criticised the restriction of appeal rights for hydropower projects.
The ordinance targets the facilitation of planning and approval for large solar power plants, wind farms, and hydropower plants. It covers 16 projects across various cantons, including a new reservoir in the Gorner area near Zermatt and the expansion of the Grimsel reservoir. The Environmental Alliance believes these projects can be implemented legally and environmentally friendly. However, they criticised the limitation of appeal rights, stating that appeals can only be taken to the cantonal court, not the Federal Supreme Court.
The alliance, which comprises organisations dedicated to environmental protection and climate change combat, firmly rejected attempts to weaken its right to appeal independently of the acceleration ordinance. Despite their concerns, left-wing parties considered the bill important for the energy transition, leading to the alliance's decision not to launch a referendum.
The Swiss Environmental Alliance, despite supporting the rapid expansion of renewable energy, has decided against a referendum against the acceleration ordinance. This ordinance streamlines approval procedures for large renewable energy projects, including 16 hydropower projects across various cantons. The alliance, while critical of the restriction of appeal rights, recognises the importance of the ordinance for the energy transition.
