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Germany's new heating law sparks fury over climate goal backslide

A 'disaster' for climate action or a pragmatic compromise? The Green Party's scathing attack exposes deep divides over Germany's heating future. Will households pay the price?

The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "We're Reducing Greenhouse Emissions by...
The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "We're Reducing Greenhouse Emissions by About a Gigaton by 2030". The poster is likely advocating for the reduction of greenhouse emissions by 2030, emphasizing the importance of taking action to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Germany's new heating law sparks fury over climate goal backslide

Germany’s coalition government unveiled its draft Building Energy Act on Tuesday evening. The proposal has already faced sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Katharina Dröge, head of the Green Party’s parliamentary group. She labelled the new heating law a 'disaster' and accused ministers of undermining climate goals. Dröge did not hold back in her assessment. She called the plan 'utterly irresponsible' and claimed it would allow climate-damaging heating systems to stay in operation beyond 2045. According to her, the draft effectively weakens the German Climate Protection Act.

The Green Party leader also warned of economic consequences. She described the proposal as 'economic nonsense', arguing it would slow down the growth of the heat pump market. Higher costs for households and businesses would follow, she added. Dröge went further, accusing the coalition of an 'orchestrated breach' of Germany’s climate commitments. In her view, the law fails to provide a clear path toward sustainable heating solutions.

The draft law now moves forward despite strong opposition. Dröge’s criticism highlights concerns over its impact on climate targets and energy costs. The debate over Germany’s heating regulations is set to continue as the proposal faces further scrutiny.

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