The debate over the proposed windmill bill continues to prompt concern among Poland’s political circles. A prominent voice in this discussion is Paweł Sałek, a former advisor to the president, who shared his views on television on wPolsce.pl. He highlighted the president’s pivotal role in navigating the controversy surrounding the measure and warned about potential complications that could arise from the bill if it advances in its current form.
Sałek argued that the actions of the parties backing the plan, notably Poland 2050 and the Civic Platform, could lead to serious problems. He suggested that the scope of the bill is exceptionally broad, touching several critical areas in one go. The legislation, as presented, covers the functioning of energy companies via an obligation linked to the stock exchange, a separate focus on renewable energy policy through the RES act, and protective provisions tied to measures meant to cap energy and heat prices. Beyond these core aims, the bill also introduces changes to multiple laws related to the capacity market, public access to environmental information, and spatial development. The breadth of these provisions indicates a sweeping reform that Sałek believes is not appropriate to implement in a single, comprehensive package without generating negative consequences for the economy and energy security. He stressed that such a vast reform would create systemic issues rather than resolve existing challenges.
Sałek also described a strategic dilemma facing President Andrzej Duda. He suggested that there could be intense pressure on the president to sign the law, framed as a shield against rising energy and heat prices, while simultaneously advancing changes in the stock market structure and renewable energy policies. A particular point of contention is the proposal to adjust the distance requirements for wind turbines relative to residential areas, a move that opponents say could enable the installation of turbines in locations where they were previously restricted. Sałek contended that this feature underscores broader environmental and landscape concerns that accompany the bill.
As the Sejm prepares to take up the bill for its first reading in its current form during a plenary session, Sałek offered his perspective on the potential trajectory of the legislation. He argued that it would be improbable to implement the measure today in a way that avoids significant future problems. He noted that the bill is being introduced for a six-month period, with speculation that this window could be used to align local and European Parliament elections with different political calculations, potentially paving the way for future revisions in how the law operates. The sense of urgency and temporary nature of the proposal, he suggested, may not withstand the practical demands of comprehensive regulatory reform. The discussion continues as lawmakers weigh the implications for energy policy and environmental protection across the country.
Sałek emphasized the most controversial aspect of the act: the possibility of adding additional wind turbines to existing farms based on older environmental decisions. He argued that the bill would weaken protections for environmental values, nature conservation, and the integrity of landscape parks, reserves, and buffers. In his view, this approach could permit turbine placements in places where operation would previously have been prohibited, illustrating a clash between rapid development and long-standing environmental safeguards. He described these tensions as part of the broader debate about how best to balance renewable energy expansion with the preservation of natural and cultural landscapes.
In summary, the discussion on the windmill bill centers on its expansive scope, the potential implications for energy prices and the stock market, and the tension between accelerating renewable projects and safeguarding environmental and scenic values. The debate continues as political actors assess the risks and opportunities inherent in a legal instrument that touches multiple sectors at once, while the public watches closely for clarity on how these policies will unfold in practice. The exchanges reflect a larger question about how Poland can reconcile its energy goals with responsible environmental stewardship as it navigates a rapidly changing energy landscape. [Source: wPolityce]