MEPs from the parliamentary committee on environment have rejected changes to the resolutions on CO2 emission quotas after 2012, which are unfavourable for Poles.

Members of the committee overwhelmingly decided that emission rates will be based solely on the gas supply, meaning that heavy industry which uses coal will be in trouble.

Steelworks, chemical and nitrogen plants, as well as paper mills will have to buy more carbon dioxide emission rights on the free market, which will increase their production costs.

“If we adopt the version of the regulations proposed by the European Commission, some plants in Poland will be closed downeand moved outside the European Union, which will result in the collapse of certain branches of Polish industry,” says MEP Boguslaw Sonik.

“It’s an irresponsible decision,” comments MEP Konrad Szymanski. “Once again the European Parliament takes into account only climate issues, ignoring the economic and social costs,” adds Szymanski.

The decision of the Polish parliamentary committee on environment ends a long battle over the CO2 regulations between Poland and the EU. (mg/jb)

Source: IAR