“The published allocation plan was prepared using one and the same principle for all companies participating in the trading system and releasing emissions into the air, using the average certified emissions for 2005-2010 as the basis. This means that taken into consideration is the rapid economic growth having affected production as well as the years of economic decline,” explained Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus. She added that the published allocation plan is a solution, which takes into account Estonia’s interests as well as the positions of the Commission of the European Communities. “Estonia’s wish is to effectively end this long-running dispute, and I believe that the plan published today and assembled on clear grounds is one that is also suitable for the Commission of the European Communities.” According to the allocation plan, Estonia’s allowed emissions for the period 2008-2012 average 13 288 633 tonnes of CO2 per year. This includes the permitted emission allowances for 47 companies as well as the reserve for new entrants and joint application. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System covers electricity and heat producers as well as industrial enterprises. Keit Pentus emphasized that there will only be cause for celebration when we require fewer emission allowances, not when we receive permission to increase the pollution of the air. “The goal of the system is to motivate companies to pollute less. The greater the number of new, more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies put into use, the less that companies will be affected by the permitted Emissions Trading System. In this way we will be moving together in the direction of a cleaner environment and innovative economy,” said Pentus. Following the publication of the allocation plan and the processing of comments, the government cabinet will debate the plan and it will then be submitted to the Commission of the European Communities for approval. |
