Poland out of step with Europe on climate
Mar 14, 2012, 4:34 PM
WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Frustrations with Poland are growing in the European Union after the coal-powered nation for a second time blocked the EU’s long-term plans for cutting carbon emissions.
Poland last week vetoed the EU’s road map for emissions reductions beyond 2020, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and EU officials.
Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard told AP this week the EU would move ahead with climate plans anyway, saying Poland “cannot set the pace for all of Europe.”
Polish Environment Minister Marcin Korolec said the EU must understand Poland’s “specific circumstances” as a country that relies on coal for 93 percent of its electricity. He said adopting the roadmap would deprive Poland’s economy of 1 percent of GDP growth per year through 2030.
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