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The new energy law in Appenzell Ausserrhoden met with little resistance. But now the oil lobby is against it.
It’s a rarity: A private organization without political parties behind it holds a referendum. This is exactly what is happening in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Because the oil and gas lobby is rebelling against the planned energy law. The business enjoys great support in politics.
Clear yes in the cantonal council
Produced locally and from renewable energies, Ausserrhoden’s electricity requirements should be covered by 40 percent by 2035. Electric heaters are to be replaced within 15 years. When replacing fossil-fired heating systems, the share of renewable energies should be 20 percent.
That’s what the canton’s planned energy law says. At the end of March, at the second reading in the cantonal council, there were only two dissenting votes with 59 yes votes and one abstention. All factions were for it. The SVP, which is still critical, and the homeowners’ association also announced shortly thereafter that they wanted to forego a referendum.
Legend:
A truck delivers oil to a residential building. This image could become a thing of the past.
key stone
But now there is probably a referendum. It needs 300 signatures or a third of the cantonal council. “We have about 480 signatures together,” says Jürg Rufer, the head of an oil company in Gossau SG and President of Swissoil Ost, the regional association of fuel dealers.
It’s also about self-interest
Usually, a referendum against a law comes from parties, parliamentary groups or an initiative committee from the canton concerned. In this case, the oil and gas lobby is responsible. That’s why it was difficult to collect the 300 addresses because you don’t live in the affected area, says Rufer. He and other oil companies in eastern Switzerland lobbied Ausserrhoden customers for the referendum.
However, Rufer does not deny that as an oil trader he is also concerned with his own interests. The law simply goes far too far: “I think it’s completely wrong to rely on electricity now,” says the entrepreneur.
“Given the geopolitical situation, especially”
Matthias Tischhauser, FDP cantonal councilor and president of the responsible construction and economics commission, is surprised by the circumstances: “I can’t remember that all parties were ever united behind a deal and then a quasi-private organization took the referendum.” That would still work. Election campaigns, on the other hand, are very difficult without a political organization behind them, according to Tischhauser.
So why is the oil lobby now holding the referendum? Tischhauser suspects: “This is purely a delaying tactic in order to be able to sell as much gas and oil as possible again. I also find this special in view of the geopolitical situation. I’m curious what the voters say about it.”
Referendum will probably go to the ballot box
Oil trader Rufer defends himself against the accusation of delaying tactics. “Many owners are very concerned, especially seniors in older houses. We certainly can’t condemn them to investing 30,000 francs in a new energy system,” says Rufer. He emphasizes that despite the large majority in the cantonal parliament, you are not in a lost position.
We certainly cannot condemn people to invest 30,000 francs in a new energy system.
The referendum is not complete yet. The signatures must first be checked for validity. In addition, the government must confirm that the referendum has taken place. Because of the 480 signatures – with the required 300 – the debate will almost certainly come before the people.