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The Scottish government has decided to abandon plans that would have required homeowners to switch to greener heating systems soon after purchasing a new property. The proposed Heat in Buildings Bill, which was introduced by the Scottish Greens as part of the Bute House Agreement, has been scrapped by acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin. She believes that the legislation, if implemented, would lead to financial difficulties for the people, stating that it would make individuals “poorer.”
The bill, drafted by Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie, aimed to address the environmental impact of heating homes, particularly through gas boilers, which contribute to approximately 18.5% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation would have mandated the replacement of gas boilers with alternative heating systems, such as electric heat pumps, within a specified timeframe following the sale of a property. However, Martin emphasized the importance of crafting a bill that would tackle fuel poverty while decarbonizing houses, indicating that the current draft did not adequately consider these factors.
Harvie criticized the government’s decision to abandon the Heat in Buildings Bill, stating that it contradicts Scotland’s climate objectives. He expressed concern over delays in implementing climate initiatives and highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels in households. Additionally, WWF Scotland raised questions about the government’s decision, noting that improving insulation and incorporating renewable heat pumps could help alleviate fuel poverty rather than exacerbate it. The delay in introducing the bill could result in higher fossil fuel costs for low-income individuals and lead to unhealthy living conditions.
The announcement to scrap the annual and interim targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland last April further underscored the government’s shifting approach to tackling climate change. While acknowledging challenges in meeting emission reduction targets, Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan emphasized the need for a feasible and fair strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2045. The decision to abandon the Heat in Buildings Bill reflects a shift in priorities, suggesting that major changes would be necessary for the legislation to be reconsidered in the future
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