On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee, the first reading of the Monopolies Control Bill (597 SE), initiated by the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union Faction, the Estonian Reform Party Faction and the Estonian Green Party Faction, was concluded. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the District Heating Act, the Public Water Supply and Sewerage Act and the Penal Code such that improved protection of consumers in relationships with providers of universal service and undertakings in a dominant position would be secured, and to ensure a functioning regulation as regards district heating and water service prices. The Bill was sent to the second reading.

On the motion of the Environment Committee, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act (667 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction, was concluded. The purpose of the amendment is to achieve greater objectivity and better protection of public interests in the environmental impacts assessment proceeding as well as in the final document of assessment which has a significant impact in an environmental impacts assessment report. This enhances the reliability of a final document of environmental impacts assessment and the substantial weight of an activity licence. According to the Act which is currently in force, the costs relating to environmental impact assessment are borne by the developer. Today, the public has no way to know at what price the private interests which damage the public interest are achieved. The Bill was sent to the second reading.
 
 
The Riigikogu Press Service
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