Lex Kloska and the wind energy debate
A decision was announced to separate two policy tracks in Poland. One concerns a separate law on wind energy, while the other will address a price freeze for energy. The plan was conveyed by Robert Biedroń, co-chair of the New Left, during an appearance on TVN24 this evening.
On November 28, a cross-party group including Polska 2050-TD and KO submitted to the Sejm a draft amendment to the law supporting energy consumers. The amendment seeks to extend the energy price freeze through June 30, 2024, while also introducing provisions that would tighten rules around the construction of wind power facilities in Poland. The proposal drew criticism from PiS deputies and other opponents.
At a Tuesday press conference, Sejm Speaker Szymon Hołownia stated that the two issues embedded in the draft would likely be divided into separate tracks. He indicated that the price freeze would be addressed promptly by the Sejm, whereas the wind energy component could be pursued as a government initiative, processed through the usual government legislative channels to expedite decisions.
“These two matters will be separated.”
During the program “Kropka nad i,” New Left co-chairman Robert Biedroń confirmed that a political decision to separate the topics had already been reached. He explained that the wind turbine law would form its own law, to be examined thoroughly and calmly, while a separate law would cover the energy price freeze and be considered at the upcoming Sejm session. The two projects would run on parallel tracks, with a decision already taken by the political leadership.
When asked whether the wind farm draft would still undergo a first reading the following day, Biedroń replied that it would not be handled in a single package and would proceed through a separate process.
He emphasized the importance of protecting Poland’s finances amid the price freeze. He noted that current energy costs place Poland among the highest in Europe and argued that it would be wise for Poland to secure fair prices for the winter, rather than those associated with the policies of the ruling party, which he described as onerous for households.
Biedroń also stated that no final decision had been made on whether the wind energy measure would be a government or parliamentary project. He urged that the initiative be well crafted and subjected to open discussion, not only with wind industry stakeholders but also with local residents and non-governmental organizations, so that all perspectives could be considered in a calm, constructive manner.
The draft proposal also suggested broadening the catalog of strategic investments to include wind farms. This change would alter the analysis required to verify alignment with local development plans. The proposal also indicated an intent to permit the erection of quieter wind turbines at distances as close as 300 meters from buildings, with a plan to increase this distance to 500 meters in certain cases.
Additional coverage around the wind energy debate circulated in the media, highlighting criticisms, commentary from opponents, and rumors about forthcoming government actions. Reports and discussions were attributed to Polish media outlets and political commentators, reflecting a charged and evolving policy conversation around wind energy and electricity pricing.
Source material and quotations were attributed to public broadcasters and political commentary outlets within Poland.