Spain: CNMC criticizes plan to combat Climate Change; proposes looking at alternatives

The president of Spain’s National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC), José María Marín Quemada, addressed the president of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands, Baltasar Picornell, noting that the draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition proposed by the government of the island province has the potential to produce “a series of negative effects” and proposing “an analysis of alternatives that could justify the decision taken”.

Seeking to ensure the proper functioning and transparency of effective competition, Marín pointed out several aspects that would present “potential restrictions” to competition. Among them, he mentions the proposal to ban the circulation of motorcycles and tourist vehicles with diesel engines, with certain exceptions, by 2025. Marín regretted that the measure “does not seem to conform to the principles of good regulation … it does not appear that criteria of prudence and reasonableness in the projected norm” and that ” it presents aspects that are substantially discriminatory. ”

The head of the CNMC also criticized that an analysis of alternatives is not offered, nor are less severe considerations “such as tolls, geographical limitations … or time limits to circulation.”