The successful lawsuit by the German Federation for the Environment (NABU) against the private use of road salt in Berlin has prompted Berlin’s coalition parties to push for a swift review of the law on collective litigation rights.
Reinhard Brandl, the parliamentary manager of the CSU, told the media group Bayern that the case shows a clear need for reform: “The collective‑litigation right must be re‑formed. When environmental groups can win cases against sensible, pragmatic solutions, it harms public acceptance of conservation and paralyzes government”. Brandl added that a “fundamental reform” is necessary because litigation should not become a political tool to cripple cities, municipalities and elected officials. The cabinet’s decision to amend the Environmental Appeal Act is the first proper step; it will be read for the first time in the next session, with the goal of concluding the procedure quickly and finding a solution for reforming the litigation rights within the coming months.
Dirk Wiese, the parliamentary manager of the SPD, sharply criticized NABU and suggested tightening the draft law. “We can only shake our heads at NABU these days. Berlin has been slipping through its streets for weeks and hospitals are full. ‘NABU’ representatives knowingly accept more falls and injuries” Wiese told the same media group. “This is unacceptable and justifies an open discussion about limiting the collective‑litigation right”.