Climate Lawyer Fears Unconstitutional Climate Protection Law

A draft of Austria's climate protection law has sparked controversy by excluding climate lawsuits, a move climate lawyer Michaela Krömer considers unconstitutional. The negotiations surrounding the law have reached an impasse, with significant disagreements persisting.

Central to the dispute are the legally binding targets for achieving climate neutrality in Austria by 2040, a goal that some industry representatives argue should align with the EU's 2050 target. Furthermore, there is contention over the establishment of clear consequences for failing to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

The exclusion of climate lawsuits from the legislation has become a focal point of contention. Michael Bernhard, the Neos party's environmental spokesperson, highlighted this aspect, stating that it has undergone constitutional review. The SPÖ and Neos parties have jointly rejected a recent draft proposal from the ÖVP, labeling it unacceptable and further complicating the path forward for the climate protection law.