In a recent interview with the Niezależna.pl news website, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Izabela Kloc expressed her conviction that behind the attempt to introduce stringent methane emission regulations in Europe, where the permissible threshold in mines was proposed at 0.5 tons of methane per 1000 tons of extracted coal, lurked not only environmental concerns but also monkey business. Kloc suggested that certain entities aimed to profit immensely from eliminating Polish coal from economic circulation and pushing Polish mining giants, Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG), and Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), to the brink of collapse.
The interview delves into the perceived success of the Polish government and MEPs, particularly those from the Silesian region, in securing a methane emission limit of 5 tons per 1000 tons of extracted coal. Kloc emphasizes the challenging situation Poland faced initially when the European Commission proposed an impractical 0.5-ton limit, which would have led to the closure of most mines by 2027 due to technological limitations. However, through negotiations in the Council of the European Union, a more realistic 5-ton limit was achieved, highlighting a significant negotiating victory for Poland.
The article discusses the intricate process involving the European Parliament, with rapporteur Jutta Paulus initially supporting the Commission’s stringent proposal. Kloc recounts the challenging work of convincing influential MEPs and obtaining support from various political groups, ultimately leading to the European Parliament voting in favor of the favorable 5-ton methane limit.
Looking ahead, Kloc remains convinced that the stringent methane regulation attempts were motivated not only by environmental concerns but also by ulterior motives. She suggests that some sought to profit by eliminating Polish coal from economic circulation and causing the downfall of PGG and JSW. Despite the negotiated 5-ton limit being demanding for Polish mines, Kloc notes that the agreement includes several favorable detailed provisions, offering optimism for the uninterrupted operation of mines until 2049.
Kloc addresses the false claims that Polish mines are major pollutants and emphasizes the collaboration between the Polish mining industry and the government-supported research sector in developing technologies to reduce emissions and improve safety.
Regarding the future of PGG and JSW, Kloc expresses confidence that the negotiated limit, though challenging, considers the current technological capabilities of Polish mines. The agreements regulating the functioning of mines until 2049 take into account various factors, including methane emission levels and reduction plans.
As for the initiatives that MEPs from the United Right, belonging to the European Conservatives and Reformists, plan to undertake in the future, Kloc highlights that the matter falls under the purview of the European Commission. However, she assures that MEPs will continue to carefully analyze projects affecting the Polish energy sector, proposing amendments to support the planned and calm functioning of the economy and mining industry.