The CDU-affiliated group known as the “Klimaunion” has labeled the coalition’s new heating law an unconstitutional setback. According to an expert report commissioned by the organization, detailed in a report by the FAZ, the law allows for the unrestricted use of fossil-fueled heating systems even after 2045, a timeframe that runs contrary to Germany’s goal of achieving climate neutrality.
The report argues that even mechanisms like the “Bio-Treppe” (bio-stairs)-the staged introduction of climate-friendly gases such as hydrogen or biogas-fail to limit fossil fuel usage effectively. Furthermore, the law allegedly lacks a mandatory quota or fixed path for the adoption of “green” gases. Consequently, the union contends that the legislation violates the principles established in the Federal Constitutional Court’s climate protection ruling.
To ensure the law complies with legal standards, the group recommends setting a fixed statutory operational end date for fossil heating systems as December 31, 2044. This proposed legislation was recently presented and approved by the cabinet, during which time it was advanced by Economic Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and Construction Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) the previous week.