German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, 51, discusses plans by the Environment Committee in the European Parliament to tighten emissions standards on new cars, arguing that standards must be increased, but without jeopardizing the economic base.
Last week the Environment Committee of the European Parliament agreed to support a sharp measure: Beginning in 2012, and not in 2015, as originally envisioned, average CO2 emissions from new cars will be capped at 120 grams per kilometer. The German automobile industry would be most affected by the measure. However, the plan must first be ratified by the European Parliament and the European Council, which consists of the heads of state and government of the European Union, before it can become law.
SPIEGEL: Mr. Gabriel, are you fighting for this tougher regulation on the side of the Environment Committee?
Gabriel: No, not at all. The Committee's recommendation will only mean that the search for a compromise will take even longer. It will spark new arguments. And clarity for climate protection and the automobile industry won't come until later.
See full Interview.
Posts
