20/14128: Motion to Repeal Site Selection Act (PDF)
Summary:
On December 10, 2024, a motion was submitted to the Bundestag, the German parliament, calling for the repeal of the Site Selection Act. This act, passed in 2022, established a process for selecting sites for a high-level radioactive waste repository in Germany.
Motion’s Content:
The motion argues that the Site Selection Act is flawed and should be repealed for the following reasons:
- Lack of democratic legitimacy: The act was passed by the previous government without sufficient public participation or parliamentary oversight.
- Unfair burden on regions: The act places an unfair burden on certain regions by designating them as potential repository sites without their consent.
- Insufficient transparency: The site selection process is not transparent enough, and the public is not adequately informed about the criteria for selecting sites.
- Violation of international law: The act violates international law by allowing the disposal of radioactive waste in a transboundary aquifer system.
Proposed Course of Action:
The motion proposes the following course of action:
- Repeal the Site Selection Act immediately.
- Establish a new, transparent, and science-based process for site selection.
- Include the public and all affected regions in the decision-making process.
- Ensure that the selected site meets the highest safety standards.
Background:
The Site Selection Act was passed in response to the need to find a permanent solution for Germany’s high-level radioactive waste. The act established a two-stage process for selecting a site:
- Phase 1 (2023-2026): Identify potential sites based on geological criteria.
- Phase 2 (2027-2031): Assess the environmental and societal impacts of the potential sites and select a final site.
Current Status:
Phase 1 of the site selection process is currently underway. The deadline for submitting objections to the potential sites is January 17, 2025. The Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (BGE), the organization responsible for selecting the repository site, plans to announce the final site in 2031.
Opposition to the Site Selection Act:
The Site Selection Act has faced significant opposition from local communities and environmental groups. They argue that the act is undemocratic, unfair, and poses a risk to public health and the environment. Several lawsuits have been filed against the act, and protests have been held at potential repository sites.
Future Prospects:
The future of the Site Selection Act is uncertain. The motion to repeal the act is unlikely to pass, as the current government supports the process. However, the ongoing opposition and legal challenges could delay or even block the site selection process.
20/14128: Antrag Standortauswahlgesetz abschaffen (PDF)
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