German economy and environment ministries wrestle over coal commission leadership

The German ministries for economic affairs and energy (BMWi) and environment (BMU) compete for taking the lead in the planned commission that is tasked with preparing the country’s coal exit – dubbed "coal commission" –, Reuters news agency reports. Economy and energy minister Peter Altmaier said it “makes sense” for his ministry to head the commission, as this had already been decided in Germany’s Climate Action Plan 2050, the article says. Environment minister Svenja Schulze described Altmaier’s claim as “irritating,” as no decision on the commission’s leadership has yet been made by the new government. The commission is expected to agree on a roadmap for the phase-out of coal-fired power production to help Germany achieve its climate targets, and to draft a follow-up plan for mining regions’ economic future. Schulze argued that it affects both ministries equally. Altmaier said that he wants the commission to start work before the German parliament’s summer break.

Read the article in German here.

For background, read the CLEW dossier The next German government and the energy transition.