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Wolfgang Katzian, der Vorsitzende der Gewerkschaft der Privatangestellten - Druck, Journalismus, Papier (GPA-djp) verwies gleich zu Beginn auf das ganz aktuell verabschiedete neue österreichische Ökostromgesetz, das Katzian als Abgeordneter zum österreichischen Nationalrat und SPÖ-Energiesprecher vergangene Woche noch selbst mitverhandelt hat.
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Starting the discussion, Wolfgang Katzian, Chair of the Union of Salaried Employees, Printing, Journalism and Paper (GPA-djp) referred to the recently adopted new Austrian Green Electricity Act, which Katzian, in his capacity as a member of Austria's National Parliament and SPÖ energy spokesperson had helped to negotiate last week. The new Act provides for a significant increase in state subsidies for green electricity to Euro 50 million. If one wanted serious exit scenarios from nuclear energy in Europe, one had to invest considerably in renewable energy, said the union leader. However, Katzian, who had met EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger for talks in Brussels, at the same time referred to the problem of insufficient energy utilization: "We can invest as much as we like ... if we do not use energy efficiently." The new Energy Efficiency Directive proposed by the EU Commission would be a very good foundation; however, there was still need for some adjustment, among other concerning the open question of co-financing proposed efficiency measures for the public sector. He had also addressed the issue during his meeting with Commissioner Oettinger, said Katzian. Many workers were employed by the energy-intensive industry, a fact which had to be taken into account concerning the binding energy audit for large companies. After all, we want to keep the industry in Europe and not create competitive disadvantages, said Katzian.
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