Drucksachen,20/14130: Antrag Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung für LNG-Terminals wieder einführen (PDF)

Reinstating Environmental Impact Assessment for LNG Terminals

December 10, 2024

A new proposal has emerged in the Bundestag, calling for the reintroduction of mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The proposal, designated as 20/14130, is being put forward by several political parties.

Currently, LNG terminals in Germany are exempt from EIA requirements under the Federal Emissions Control Act (BImSchG), which has sparked concerns among environmental groups and some politicians. The exemption was introduced in 2017 to facilitate the expansion of LNG infrastructure as part of Germany’s energy transition from coal and nuclear power.

However, critics argue that the exemption undermines environmental protection and prevents proper assessment of the potential impacts of LNG terminals on ecosystems and local communities. They point to the risks associated with methane leaks, air pollution, and the potential for spills or explosions.

The new proposal aims to close this loophole by requiring EIA for all LNG terminals with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year or more. The assessments would cover the full scope of environmental impacts, including air and water quality, biodiversity, noise pollution, and land use.

The proposal has garnered support from several environmental organizations, including the German Environmental Aid (DUH) and Greenpeace Germany. They argue that EIAs are essential for ensuring that LNG terminals are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

“LNG terminals have significant environmental impacts that must be properly considered,” said Sascha Müller-Kraenner, DUH Executive Director. “An EIA is a legal requirement that helps to protect our environment and ensure public transparency.”

The proposal is also backed by a number of political parties, including the Greens, the Left Party, and the Social Democrats (SPD). The SPD, which is part of the governing coalition, has stated that it is open to discussing the proposal.

“We need to strike a balance between energy security and environmental protection,” said SPD Environment Minister Steffi Lemke. “EIA for LNG terminals could help us to achieve this goal.”

The proposal will now be debated in the Bundestag, where it will require a majority vote to pass. If passed, it would represent a significant step towards strengthening environmental protections for LNG terminals in Germany.


20/14130: Antrag Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung für LNG-Terminals wieder einführen (PDF)

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