Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the so-called “wind turbine law,” freezing electricity prices until year-end, but the minister of climate and environment calls the proposed legislation ineffective.
President Vetoes Wind Power Legislation
On August 21, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the “wind turbine law,” which would have frozen electricity prices until year-end. The law also mandates minimum distances of wind power plants from residential buildings, reducing the current 700-meter requirement to 500 meters. Additionally, it introduces easing provisions for the modernization of existing wind farms and extends the price freeze to the final quarter of the year. Nawrocki has submitted his own bill, focused solely on the price freeze, which will now require parliamentary approval by late September.
Minister Calls President’s Draft “Useless”
Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska criticized Nawrocki’s decision during an interview with TVN24, stating the document is currently “useless.” Under parliamentary rules, the bill will enter a 30-day public consultation period. Hennig-Kloska emphasized that work on replacement proposals is underway in two government sectors—climate and environment, and energy. She aims to reintroduce the renewable energy development law to the Sejm by September, calling it vital for Poland’s economy. The Ministry of Energy will address the issue of lower electricity prices separately.
What Changes Did Nawrocki Seek?
On Thursday, President Karol Nawrocki submitted a bill to the Sejm to freeze electricity prices until year-end. The proposal, supported by President’s Office Chief Zbigniew Bogucki, targets only household energy consumers. The justification notes that the law strengthens citizens’ energy security and mitigates energy poverty. However, the authors estimate it would cost taxpayers 300 million zł this year and 590 million zł in 2026. The bill is now publicly available on the Sejm’s website.
Source: Gazeta, – Statement by Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska on TVN24., – President’s Office announcement regarding the bill submission., – Sejm’s official website listing the proposed legislation.
