Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - North Rhine-Westphalia's Economics Minister Mona Neubaur (Greens) has defended the decision to use the town of Lützerath for lignite mining. The Greens politician told the "Rheinische Post" (Wednesday/online) that she had commissioned an expert opinion as to whether it was possible to preserve Lützerath.
All three reports - in terms of energy management, water management and open-pit mining planning - came to the conclusion that this was not possible with the amounts of energy now required to maintain energy security. "To disregard this would be irresponsible and not my aim to shape politics," said Neubaur. The coal phase-out in 2030 is a great success for climate protection.
Regarding the announced protests, the North Rhine-Westphalia climate protection minister told the newspaper that there would be offers of talks for the initiatives to clear Lützerath in the interests of de-escalation. She respects the fact that a large part of the peaceful climate protection movement repeatedly takes to the streets for this task of mankind. At the same time, she pointed out that the settlement is now owned by RWE.
"It has never been more difficult to be in government responsibility as a Green - and it has never been more important at the same time," said Neubaur in response to criticism of the early phase-out of coal in view of the energy crisis. In this acute crisis, the Greens are ready to take the necessary steps to ensure security of supply. At the same time, they do not lose sight of their responsibility to protect the climate for future generations.
