Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have today voted in favour of a climate and energy policy that encompasses targets in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reductions by 2030.
Members of the energy and industry, and environment committees voted 66 to 50 in favour of the three targets. The vote goes to plenary in February.
“This vote is another strong signal to the European Commission of the widespread support for a binding renewable energy target for 2030,” said Stephane Bourgeois of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
In its upcoming communication on 22 January, the European Commission must propose an ambitious and binding renewable energy target, Bourgeois added.
“It cannot deny the findings of its own impact assessment, which says a renewable energy target is better for the economy than a greenhouse gas target alone – over 560,000 more jobs, €500bn in fossil fuel import savings, and lower energy costs for energy-intensive industries.”
Following the European Commission communication on 22 January and the European Parliament plenary vote next month, EU heads of state will meet in March to agree on a mandate to the Commission to draft legislation on 2030 climate and energy policy.
Today’s vote follows the release of a paper by the European Commission that led to the suggestion of new targets needed for 2030 if the European Union is to meet its commitment of slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90pc by 2050.
