The Ministry of Climate and Environment proposes banning commercial peat extraction for peat products or other technical purposes through amendments to the Nature Diversity Act. The ban would not apply to existing peat operations or small quantities of peat used for building restoration or heritage purposes. The Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment recommends the Storting adopt the bill, with support from the Labour Party, Conservative Party, Socialist Left Party, Red Party, Green Party, and Liberal Party.
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These are the proposals in the document, not decisions. See the votes for the outcome.
A new section 56 a (ban on commercial peat extraction) would prohibit commercial peat extraction for peat products or other technical purposes. The ban would not apply to extraction from areas opened for commercial peat extraction before the law takes effect, or to extraction of small quantities of peat for building restoration or heritage purposes.
Section 74, first paragraph, would be amended to allow authorities to impose administrative penalties for violations of specified sections of the Act, including the new section 56 a.
Section 75, first paragraph, would be amended to establish criminal penalties of fines or up to one year's imprisonment for deliberate or negligent violations of specified sections, including the new section 56 a.
The Storting requests the Government to submit a new proposal banning new peat extraction, including extraction that is regulated in land-use plans under the Planning and Building Act but has not commenced operation.
The Storting requests the Government to develop a national action plan for phasing out peat use. The plan should include measures promoting the development and availability of substitute products, as well as restoration of former peat extraction sites.
The Storting requests the Government to propose taxes on peat imports and sales. The proposal should be submitted for public consultation by the end of the first half of 2026. Revenue should be earmarked for a transition plan for the peat industry and subsidies for production of alternatives to peat products.