On Tuesday, the 20th of December, Latvia’s government decided to found the Ministry of Climate and Energy by reorganising the Ministry of Economics and Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development.
Previously it was reported that the 14th Saeima picked Raimonds Čudars as the candidate to become Minister of Climate and Energy. The ministry is expected to commence work on the 1st of January 2023.
It is expected the new ministry will take over the energy policy from the Ministry of Economics. The latter will retain responsibility over creation of petrol product reserves. From the Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development it will take over climate policy.
Until the state budget for 2023 is approved, the costs of functions of the new ministry will be covered from the budget provided to the Ministry of Economics and Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development.
In total, the new ministry will take 48.5 posts from the two aforementioned ministries, including the Climate Change Office, Energy Market and Infrastructure Department and Sustainable Energy Policy Office.
All three ministers have until the 6th of January to compose a reorganisation committee that will determine the transferable property, claims, rights, liabilities, off-balance-sheet items and finances.
Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said at a press-conference that it is important for the government to prepare a climate plan with the new ministry participating. He added it is planned to achieve energy independence from Russia and reduce the use of fossil fuels and emissions. The plan also includes the influence on housing and transport policy.
Support to the new ministry will be provided by the Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development from the budget sub-programme for emission allowances.
The new ministry will also become the holder of state-owned shares in the Environment Investment Fund.
The government also approved regulations for the new ministry. The new ministry will be the leading state institution for climate and energy policy.
The ministry’s functions will include development of Latvia’s climate and energy policy and organisation of this policy’s implementation.
The ministry will also coordinate implementation of international contracts and conventions, coordinate Latvia’s participation in Europe’s emission quotas trade system, keeping count of Latvia’s greenhouse gas emissions, as well as preparation of forecasts.
The new ministry will also plan measures to prevent an energy crisis and will manage compliance with said measures.
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