CLEAN DRIVE: Diesel vehicles to be banned in Balearics after parliament vote

BALEARICS’ regional parliament has voted to ban all diesel vehicles after 2025.

This will be followed by a 2035 veto on petrol vehicles under the region’s Climate Change and Energy Transition Law approved with the votes of left-wing parties.

Some, but not all, points were opposed by Ciudadanos and the Partido Popular, with the latter party accusing the Govern of imposing damaging restrictions for the local economy.

The party called for the law to be withdrawn, echoing a letter from Jose Maria Marin Quemada, president of the National Markets and Competition Committee (CNMC), whom spokespeople for the left wing parties accused of interfering.

“Being the first is always risky but we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of wasting more time,” replied Marc Pons, who heads the Territory, Energy and Transport department.

Sustainable energy “could and should be” another attraction for Baleares’ tourism, Pons declared.

Together the eventual fossil fuel ban, the law incorporates new obligations for generating renewable energy.

Solar panels must installed in new car parks with an area of more than 1,000 square metres as well as existing car parks of more than 1,500 square metres.

Solar panels will also be required for new buildings of more than 1,000 square metres and older buildings that are restored.

The climate change law also contemplates the gradual shut down of oil-fired and coal-fired power stations in Es Murterar (Mallorca), Mahon and Formentera after which the Islands will depend on self-generated power from renewable sources and an underwater cable connection with the mainland.

Written by

Linda Hall

Originally from the UK, Linda is based in Valenca and is a reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering local news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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