Statements

The amendment of the CO2 Act incorporates the uncontested parts of the total revision rejected in last June’s vote and lays the foundations for Switzerland’s climate policy from 2025 onwards. A larger proportion of the CO2 levy is to be earmarked in future to finance the proposed measures. This revision of the law represents another wasted opportunity to base Switzerland’s long-term climate policy on a pure control system that encompasses additional areas.

The amendment of the Spatial Planning Ordinance will make it easier to construct photovoltaic systems outside of building zones. This relaxation of the rules will create additional incentives to construct urgently needed capacities for the production of renewable energy. However, alpine ground-mounted systems remain prohibited. The partial revision offered an opportunity to at least permit the construction of such PV systems close to existing infrastructure.