New Push for Heating Law Reform by SPD Amid Climate Concerns

The upcoming legislative term will see a renewed effort by the SPD and Union to reform the controversial heating law, which was initially introduced by former Economic Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens. This law, part of the broader Building Energy Act, aimed to set Germany on a path toward long-term climate neutrality but faced significant backlash during its rollout.

Habeck himself acknowledged shortcomings in the law's formulation, admitting it may have overstepped by interfering too much in citizens' heating choices. Despite the criticism, the SPD appears committed to revisiting the heating law with a focus on making it more user-friendly for the public.

Matthias Miersch, the SPD General Secretary, emphasized in a recent interview that the party remains dedicated to climate protection, asserting that Germany will continue to lead in environmental initiatives. He reiterated that the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 remains a priority. Miersch stated that the revamped heating law would aim to support the transition to cleaner heating technologies through a more open approach, offering incentives and transition periods to ensure housing remains affordable.

According to the coalition agreement between the SPD and Union, there is an intention to 'abolish' the existing heating law, though this is likely to translate into a significant reform of the Building Energy Act rather than a complete repeal. The language used suggests that the Union party is particularly keen on this phrasing.

One critical aspect of the proposed reforms is the concept of technology openness, which Miersch identified as a key point of agreement between the SPD and Union. CDU Vice President Andreas Jung has also expressed a commitment to reevaluating the heating law under a CDU-led government. He remarked that the previous administration's overregulation needed to be addressed, advocating for a more flexible approach that allows for various heating solutions, including heat pumps, connections to heating networks, and renewable energy sources like wood, geothermal, or solar thermal energy.

However, environmental organizations have raised alarms regarding potential setbacks in climate policy under the new government coalition. Concerns have been voiced about the sincerity of the SPD and Union's commitment to climate protection, with critics arguing that the coalition agreement outlines specific setbacks but remains vague on advancements. There are fears that the next four years could result in lost opportunities for climate initiatives.

Recent public opinion data indicates a shifting sentiment regarding climate action in Germany. An international survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that only about 40% of Germans believe more should be done for climate protection, placing the country at the bottom of 32 nations surveyed. Additionally, the proportion of citizens feeling responsible for climate action has significantly declined, with only half of the population now considering themselves accountable, down from over two-thirds in 2021.

As the new government prepares to implement its agenda, the future of the heating law and overall climate policy will be closely monitored. Following the planned election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor on May 6, the coalition agreement will need approval from both the CDU and SPD. A pressing issue on the agenda will be the reduction of the electricity tax, which Miersch has urged should take top priority for the new administration.