WARSAW, Oct 7 (Reuters) – Local authorities in Poland’s Silesia coal-mining region urged the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government on Monday to drop proposed legislation that would give it the option to open new mines without their consent.
Facing an election on Sunday, PiS has maintained its strong support for coal mining as a key energy source for Poland, which generates 80% of its electricity from coal.
But there is growing opposition to mining in Silesia, one of the most polluted coal regions in Europe, potentially putting pressure on PiS. Opinion polls show the party is likely to win Sunday’s vote with about 40-44%.
PiS has said it will discuss the draft legislation at a session of parliament just after the parliamentary election on Oct. 13, irrespective of the result.
“The Union’s board strongly opposes the introduction of such regulations that strongly violate local self-government and do not take into account the growing importance of the policy of diversifying energy supply sources and environmental protection,” the Silesian Union of Municipalities and Districts said in a statement.
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