Criticizing Delays in LNG Petition Decision
The ombudsman of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Matthias Crone, has voiced his concerns over the three-month delay in determining the legality of a citizens' initiative against a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Sassnitz. The initiative, against the Rügen terminal, seeks to prevent the building and operation of LNG infrastructure and has been supported by the state's ombudsman.
The citizens' forum 'Wir für Rügen' had initially handed over over 1,000 signatures in favor of a referendum, aiming to hinder Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH from carrying out any agreements relating to the construction and operation of LNG infrastructure. The company is largely owned (90%) by the town of Sassnitz.
Following their assessment, the town of Sassnitz and the district requested an opinion from the district's legal supervisory authority. The opinion was then referred to the Schwerin Ministry of the Interior, which included the Schwerin Ministry of Economics, in charge of ports.
According to Mr. Crone, swift decision-making is essential for both direct citizen participation and investor certainty. Those needing more time should make their reasoning clear. The district, which has recently been grappling with a paralyzing hacker attack, has stated that the Schwerin assessment has been available since the beginning of the week. The district's response is expected to be sent to Sassnitz by the end of the week.
The city council had previously ruled the initial citizen's petition against the terminal as unlawful, citing insufficiently clear questions and lack of responsibility. The LNG critics subsequently formulated a more complex question with legal assistance.
Meanwhile, the first of two floating LNG terminals is set to be installed in Mukran by January, with approval for the special ships still pending. Critics argue that the terminal poses a threat to the environment and tourism, while the federal government views it as necessary for energy security.
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The German Press Agency reported that Ombudsman Matthias Crone criticized the three-month delay in making a legal assessment of the citizens' petition against the LNG terminal in Sassnitz, Germany, where the initiative Against the LNG supports the petition.
Enrichment Insights:
- The sources do not clarify why the legal process was delayed. Numerous factors, such as ongoing legal proceedings or bureaucratic processes, regulatory challenges, political and economic factors, and public participation effects, could influence the delay.
- The delay might negatively impact direct citizen participation by prolonging the time it takes for citizens' concerns to be addressed. This could potentially undermine the public's trust in the regulatory process.
- The delay in making a legal assessment also affects investor planning security by creating uncertainty about the regulatory environment and possible future policy changes.
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