People vote on blanket decree on the energy transition
Published: Friday, Jan 26th 2024, 15:11
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The people can decide on the implementation of the energy transition in Switzerland. The referendum committee led by the Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) has submitted 63,277 valid signatures. This was announced by the Federal Chancellery on Friday.
A referendum requires 50,000 signatures, which must be collected within one hundred days. Initially, a small alliance led by Pierre-Alain Bruchez from Neuchâtel declared war on the bill, later joined by the Swiss Free Landscape Association and the FFW.
The referendum leaders criticize that the law for a secure electricity supply with renewable energies was passed in haste and goes too far. It makes absolutely no sense to clear forests for wind turbines, disfigure Alpine landscapes with solar panels and flood biotopes for hydropower in the name of the climate.
Parliament clearly approved the blanket decree in the fall session. The National Council voted in favor by 177 votes to 19, the Council of States by 44 votes to none. A referendum is expected before the end of the year.
In addition to most political parties, environmental organizations such as the WWF, Greenpeace, the Swiss Energy Foundation (SES) and the "Never again nuclear power plants" association are also in favour of the blanket decree. Business associations from various sectors, including Economiesuisse, Swisscleantech and the TCS, are also calling for a yes vote.
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