Canton of Lucerne votes on development of renewables
Lucerne - The canton of Lucerne plans to drive forward the development of renewable energies. The Planning and Building Law would be amended to this end. The public vote on November 24 will decide on this change.
On November 24, a public vote will decide on a bill to change the Planning and Building Law (PBG). The canton of Lucerne explains in a media release that the change to the PBG is intended to expedite the expansion of renewable energies. Various measures from the planning report on climate and energy policy approved by the parliament in 2022 would require these changes to the PBG. For example, charging stations for electric vehicles should be planned from the outset when building parking lots in future. The SVP group reportedly rejected these changes as it believes that renewable energy production should be voluntary and «not forced by regulations.» The Centre, FDP, SP, Greens, and GLP have agreed with the cantonal government’s suggestion. The cantonal parliament also approved the changes to the PBG with 83 votes to 27. The public vote will now take place on November 24 as a committee has called for a referendum.
The cantonal government recommends that voters accept the changes. The member of the cantonal government responsible for the changes to the law, Fabian Peter, comments in a press release: «We are still pouring too much money into foreign imports of fossil energy sources. By investing in our domestic renewable energies, we free ourselves from a dependence on other countries and create even more added value here.»
