CDU warns: Climate target 2040 could cost tens of thousands of jobs in Rhineland-Palatinate!

CDU warns: Climate target 2040 could cost tens of thousands of jobs in Rhineland-Palatinate!

In Rhineland-Palatinate, debates about the planned climate protection law are in full swing. In a recent public appearance, CDU leader Gordon Schnieder sharply criticized the state government's draft law and warned that this plan to make Rhineland-Palatinate climate-neutral by 2040 could have far-reaching consequences for the regional economy. In a letter to Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), Schnieder emphasized that the law could endanger the potential jobs of tens of thousands of people if passed in its current form. According to [Tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/rheinlandpfalz/swr-cdu-chef-schnieder-klimaschutzgesetz-gefaehrdet-zig-TEN Thousand-arbeitsplaetze-100.html) he also fears that the assumptions about CO2 storage by forests are incorrect.

The state government itself sees the law as a necessary step to meet international requirements, in particular the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Climate Protection Agreement. Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer emphasizes that future climate protection measures not only urgently make a lot of sense, but must also be designed in a socially just manner. The draft law, which was submitted to the state parliament this month, is due to be finally passed in early July and is described by Environment Minister Katrin Eder as a signpost for a transformational climate change.

Economy and climate protection: A balancing act

The planned law aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and not impose any new obligations on citizens, companies and municipalities. Economics Minister Daniela Schmitt (FDP) did not make a clear statement about climate neutrality in an interview, but made clear the need for dialogue between the coalition partners. Schmitt, who will soon be running for a place on the list for the state elections in Speyer, emphasizes the urgency of economic stability in Rhineland-Palatinate. Nevertheless, one has to deal with criticism from industrial policy heavyweights such as BASF, who consider the draft to be insufficient to counteract a possible competitive disadvantage.

According to Schmitt, it is important to find the balance between ecological goals and economic strength. In the interview, she also pointed out the issue of vacancies in city centers and emphasized the support of local retailers in the face of the boom in online shopping. In view of these challenges, the state government is also planning measures to promote the electrification of railway lines, which should lead to emission-free train traffic.

Public reactions and political consequences

Reactions to the bill are mixed. While environmental organizations praise the draft, business representatives fear that it is unsustainable in its current form. Trade unions and employers also express a desire to reconsider the law. Schnieder is optimistic about the upcoming state elections in 2026 and plans to roll back the law if the CDU wins the election. However, this could become complicated due to legal challenges from the Federal Constitutional Court.

In summary, Rhineland-Palatinate has reached a critical point where climate protection, economic security and social responsibility must be reconciled. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the political landscape will respond to this fundamental bill.