German Federal Cabinet wants to close loopholes liability for nuclear companies

The decommissioning costs for German nuclear power plants are to be financed largely by the will of the Federal Government of the major energy companies while protecting the taxpayer.
The Federal Cabinet approved a bill that aims to close gaps liability for the billions spent for decommissioning German nuclear power plants on Wednesday. Moreover, the government appointed a commission of experts that will submit proposals for the long-term secure financing these tasks until the end of January. The Commission has three chairmen: former Green Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin, former SPD Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck and the former First Mayor of Hamburg, Ole von Beust (CDU).

Federal Minister Sigmar Gabriel had presented the results of his so-called stress tests on the weekend. Thereafter, the four energy companies RWE, E.ON, EnBW and Vattenfall will be able to carry on they can assume billion loads. You have already made provisions of more than EUR 38 billion for such risks in the past. They also have a pool of assets of around 83 billion. This should be guaranteed in the opinion of the government that do not require taxpayers to adhere.

With the new law should be minimized from the nuclear phase-out of the public budgets and taxpayers after presentation of the Ministry of Economy as well as the risks companies are taken completely as possible in liability. "Nuclear power plant operator liable for nuclear waste disposal costs. This remains so in the future," said Gabriel. Under the slogan "Parents are responsible for their children" is also to be ensured but now that the power companies can not go with restructuring, such as the spin-off of the power plant operator companies, out of the affair.

Together with the Group decided Nachhaftungsgesetz ministers round the dating with a coalition summit middle of the year, set up a commission. This should suggest how it can be ensured in the long term, as the follow-up costs of the nuclear power phase will be financed. be able. The Commission comprises 19 members. It is composed of representatives of the various parties, the business community, trade unions and other social groups.