New Autonomy Powers Spark hope for State Climate Protection Law

Following the near-unanimous approval of autonomy reform at the SVP state assembly in Vahrn, South Tyrol stands at a potential turning point for environmental policy. While Governor Arno Kompatscher celebrates the reform as a landmark achievement, environmental advocates are scrutinizing the newly acquired competencies from Rome, particularly concerning environmental and ecosystem protection, and wildlife management.

Climate Protection Law: No More Excuses?

Hanspeter Staffler, the managing director of the environmental canopy association, believes the reform removes previous obstacles to enacting a robust state climate protection law.Referencing Article 8, number 29, which addresses environmental and ecosystem protection, Staffler asserts, now there are no more excuses. This echoes the long-standing demands of his association and other groups like the local care association South Tyrol and Climate Actions South Tyrol.

Staffler emphasizes that Climate protection is clearly under the protection of the environment and the ecosystem. He argues that the reformed statute provides a solid foundation for a state climate protection law, something he believes was achievable even before the autonomy reform. What would have been possible before is now definitely secured.With the now primary competencies, all prerequisites are met.

Beyond Non-binding Plans: The Urgency of Legally Binding Climate Action

The environmental canopy association is pushing for a legally binding climate protection law, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of non-binding state climate plans. They argue that only legally mandated implementation can guarantee the region’s stated goal of climate neutrality. while Environmental Councilor peter Brunner claims that 30 measures of the climate plan have already been implemented, Staffler remains unconvinced.

Then there were probably little effective measures or manageable goals, since CO₂ emissions in South Tyrol continue to increase, Staffler countered. According to recent data from the European Environment Agency, greenhouse gas emissions in the EU have decreased by 32.5% since 1990, but progress varies substantially across regions. South Tyrol’s commitment to legally binding targets could position it as a leader in climate action within Italy and the broader EU.

Limited Impact Beyond Climate Law?

Despite welcoming the potential for a climate protection law, Staffler expresses reservations about the broader impact of the autonomy reform on environmental issues. In addition, this reform for the environment and climate does not necessarily mean much. I have not been able to recognize a big litter in the reform text, he states. He points out that many environmental regulations are dictated by EU guidelines, limiting the province’s autonomy.

When protecting the environment, for example, we speak of upper limits of air and noise values ​​or environmental impact assessments- these concerns are de facto EU-regulated, Staffler clarifies.

waste Management: A Notable Win

Staffler identifies waste management as a concrete area of improvement. The reform allows South Tyrol to maintain its existing system, avoiding the need to adopt the more complex and, according to Staffler, less suitable Italian system.

Italian legislation is very complex and complicated and not adapted to our social structure. This new system from Italy would have meant a complete reorganization of the systems at the community level – a fully senseless undertaking as our system works excellently, he explains.

Ecosystem Protection and Wildlife Management: Opportunities and Uncertainties

Staffler finds the wording Protection of the ecosystem in the area of ​​interests of the province puzzling. He questions the extent of its practical application, given that many protected areas already fall under European interest, such as Natura 2000 sites.

He suggests the possibility of including biotopes not covered by natura 2000 or certain nature parks excluded from that classification. However,he remains uncertain about the overall scope.

In wildlife management,Staffler anticipates a more tangible impact,particularly concerning public safety and bear management. Even if this passage also affects the wolves, it is the bears that represent the central problem by daring very close to inhabited towns. The governor can now intervene here, he explains.

Cautious Optimism

while Staffler welcomes the clarified responsibilities in environment and wildlife management, he maintains a cautious outlook. On the whole,not much will change in terms of. the true test of the autonomy reform will lie in South Tyrol’s ability to leverage its new powers to enact meaningful climate action and protect its unique environment.