Fit For 55: European Parliament rejects severely weakened Emission Trading System
Today, MEPs from the Greens/EFA Group along with a progressive majority have successfully voted down a considerably weakened position on the EU Emissions Trading System, following efforts of the EPP Group and industry lobbies. The ETS file will now go back to the Environment Committee.
As a consequence, the votes on the Social Climate Fund and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have been postponed as they are linked to the ETS vote.
Michael Bloss MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in the Environment Committee, comments:
“Now there is hope that we can actually build a climate policy in line with the 1.5 degree target. The EPP and right-wing of the house have failed in leading the Parliament away from the Paris Agreement.
“We still have the chance to listen to the scientists who have been calling on us to take decisive action now. In the negotiations, the Greens/EFA Group will stand up for the climate and energy transition and the end of dependence on coal, oil and gas.”
Jakop Dalunde MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on EU Emissions Trading System in the Energy, Research and Industry, and the Transport and Tourism committees, comments:
“A progressive majority prevailed against the fossil alliance and has for now prevented the worst. The free allocation of emissions for big parts of the industry means free emissions, which is something we simply cannot support. But it is essential that we get the Emissions Trading System right. ETS, as the biggest climate policy instrument, only works if we have ambitious targets for significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions."
More:
Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System
Today, MEPs are voting on the mandates for the negotiations on the European Union's biggest ever climate package, Fit for 55. You can find more information on all the Fit For 55 files on our special live blog here. The proposals on Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) and CO2 emission standards for cars and vans will be voted on later this afternoon from 17:00.
