BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – In an open letter to the federal government and the Bundestag, consumer and environmental associations have warned of the consequences of the controversial heating law. “We are deeply concerned about the current slump in the building renovation rate,” says the letter published on Wednesday by fifteen industry, consumer and climate protection associations.
In addition to falling subsidy applications, there was also a massive slump in the renovation of buildings and the sale of heat pumps. The lack of demand threatened the layoffs of skilled workers in this area. In addition to the jobs, the achievement of climate goals and social peace are also at risk. High heating bills hit low-income households in poorly modernized homes particularly hard.
The fifteen associations therefore called for urgent countermeasures on the part of politicians. Parliament and government would have to present a climate stimulus package for the building sector this summer. In addition, there is a need for a renovation program for public buildings.
The government’s plans for a new heating law had recently caused heated debates because homeowners feared major financial burdens when switching to climate-friendly heating systems. At the beginning of the month, the Federal Constitutional Court stopped the planned passage of the controversial law in the Bundestag in an urgent procedure. SPD, Greens and FDP want to pass the law as one of their central projects for more climate protection at the beginning of September./jgl/DP/stk