Above all, the FDP calls for improvements to the heating law. The sound had gone hoarse at the traffic light. Now try to build bridges.
For millions of homeowners and renters, there could soon be more clarity about the planned heating law. After bitter disputes within the traffic light coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP, there now seems to be increasing movement in search of compromises.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) had shown willingness for changes. He wants to make the law better. He hopes that the discussion will now take “a constructive, solution-oriented” direction.
FDP Group Vice President Lukas Köhler said on Tuesday in the ZDF “Morgenmagazin” that Habeck had taken a good first step: “I’m glad that we’re really seeing things moving.” The law needs to be fundamentally revised. People shouldn’t be overwhelmed.
Allow instead of deny?
Due to fundamental concerns, the FDP had prevented the draft law on heating replacement that had already been passed by the cabinet from being discussed for the first time in the Bundestag. Habeck then accused the Liberals of “breach of word”. The next week of meetings is mid-June. Then the reform of the Building Energy Act could be discussed for the first time.
By mid-June, it should now be explored where compromises are possible. It is about the heating law itself as well as about the form of the planned state subsidy. A conversation between the deputy chairmen of the traffic light groups was planned for Tuesday, according to coalition circles.
SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert said in the “Morgenmagazin” that the rhetoric had changed significantly for many – and with a view to the FDP:. “From denial communication, it has moved to enabling communication.” In the next week of the meeting, there must be the first consultation on the draft law. The knot has to be cut through this week.
The heads of the coalition had agreed at the end of March to pass the law before the summer recess in the Bundestag. The summer break begins after July 7th, which is also the day the Federal Council meets.
Habeck speaks with parliamentary group representatives
According to the ministry, Habeck invited the rapporteurs from the three traffic light groups on Tuesday evening to answer the 77 questions asked by the FDP rapporteurs and any other queries.
Government circles said it was not a round of negotiations. Consequently, there will be no results. The focus is on answering technical questions. There will be further talks in the next few days, including with associations. The aim, as announced by Habeck, is to make the law better.
The Greens called on the FDP to clear the way for the parliamentary procedure. Green Group Vice President Andreas Audretsch told the German Press Agency on Tuesday: “It is now important that everyone works pragmatically on the best solutions.”
Ramona Pop, head of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations, said that due to the ongoing stalemate with the Building Energy Act, consumers lack planning security. Simone Peter, President of the Federal Association of Renewable Energy, said the coalition must now quickly create clarity.
Possible compromise lines
Habecks said the law could be a “milestone” in climate protection. According to the ministry, more than a third of the total energy requirement in Germany is required for heating buildings and for supplying hot water. More than 80 percent of this heat is still generated with fossil energy. The government aims to make Germany climate-neutral by 2045.
According to the draft law, from the beginning of 2024 every newly installed heating system should be operated with at least 65 percent green energy. The switch should be socially cushioned, and there should also be transitional periods and hardship regulations. However, details are hotly disputed.
The FDP wants more “technology openness” and not just rely primarily on the heat pump. Köhler named heating with wood or wood pellets as an important component. In addition, it is important to combine the building energy law with the planned law on “municipal heat planning”. People need to know what is happening in their community – whether, for example, it will still be possible to operate gas heating with hydrogen from 2035.
Pop said that in order to be able to plan for alternatives, for example to heat pumps or pellet heating systems, when switching to climate-friendly heating systems and to limit costs, the expansion of district heating must be pushed ahead quickly.
There could also be adjustments to the start date. Instead of applying to all buildings from January 1, 2024, the beginning could initially only apply to new buildings. More time could be given for old buildings.
The Greens and the SPD in particular are also calling for more support for low-income households in particular when it comes to replacing the heating system. That could cost billions. But the question is where the money will come from. It is also about protecting tenants from high costs and how landlords can pass on the costs of a new heating system to tenants in the future.
Source: Stern
