20/13640: Draft Law to Implement Directive (EU) 2023/2413 for Permitting Procedures under the Water Resources Act and to Amend the Federal Waterway Act (PDF)
Date: 2024-11-06 11:00
Announcement:
The German Bundestag has introduced a draft law (20/13640) to implement Directive (EU) 2023/2413 into German law. The directive aims to simplify and digitize permitting procedures in the water resources sector. Additionally, the draft law includes amendments to the Federal Waterway Act.
Key Points:
- Digitalization of Permitting Procedures: The draft law will require authorities to provide electronic portals for submitting and processing permit applications. This will reduce administrative burdens and improve the efficiency of the permitting process.
- Simplified Procedures: The law will introduce simplified permitting procedures for certain activities, such as small-scale hydropower plants and irrigation projects. This will reduce the time and effort required for obtaining permits.
- Extended Participation Rights: The draft law will extend the participation rights of the public in permitting procedures. This will ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input and influence decisions.
- Amendments to Federal Waterway Act: The draft law includes amendments to the Federal Waterway Act that aim to improve the management and protection of federal waterways. This includes measures to prevent the spread of invasive species and to enhance waterway safety.
Timeline:
The draft law is currently being debated in the Bundestag. The expected date of enactment is not yet known.
Background:
Directive (EU) 2023/2413 is a European Union directive that aims to streamline and modernize environmental permitting procedures across the EU. The directive sets out requirements for electronic permitting, simplified procedures, and enhanced public participation.
Implications:
The implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 and the amendments to the Federal Waterway Act are expected to have a significant impact on the permitting process in the water resources sector in Germany. The digitalization and simplification of procedures will reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for businesses and individuals to obtain permits. The extended participation rights will ensure that the public has a greater say in decision-making processes.
Additional Information:
The full text of the draft law (in German) can be found at: dipbt.bundestag.de/extrakt/ba/20/136/2013640.html
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Drucksachen a new article on 2024-11-06 11:00 titled “20/13640: Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Umsetzung von Vorgaben der Richtlinie (EU) 2023/2413 für Zulassungsverfahren nach dem Wasserhaushaltsgesetz und zur Änderung des Bundeswasserstraßengesetzes (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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