4 municipalities in Małopolska have already decided to adopt local anti-smog resolutions
In recent weeks, the councils of Małopolska’s municipalities have been engaged in a heated discussion on the adoption of local anti-smog resolutions. Let us remind that the anti-smog resolution for Małopolska is already in force in the entire voivodship. Its main goal is to replace out-of-class solid fuel boilers by the end of 2022. Local resolutions are to some extent aimed at tightening these regulations, mainly by eliminating the possibility of installing coal-fired boilers.
Such resolutions will be adopted by the Sejmik of the Małopolskie Voivodeship at the request of communes and after the Commune Council adopts an appropriate directional resolution. The first municipalities to adopt such resolutions were the City of Oświęcim, City of Nowy Targ, Skawina, and Krzeszowice. Now it is up to the Board of Małopolska Voivodeship to pass resolutions for public consultation.
According to the provisions of the new Air Protection Programme for the Małopolskie Voivodeship, at the request of the interested communes, it is possible to adopt local anti-smog resolutions according to uniform guidelines. The purpose of those regulations is to accelerate the process of air quality improvement, implementation of climate policy goals as well as new Polish Energy Policy until 2040. The air protection programme also indicates the need for these municipalities to be covered by preferential investment co-financing under the Regional Operational Programme 2021-2027.
Key considerations for local anti-smog resolutions:
- Ban operation for new coal-fired boilers and heaters beginning January 1, 2022 and existing boilers and heaters beginning January 1, 2030.
- Stricter requirements for new biomass boilers (dust emissions up to 20 mg/m³) and new fireplaces (closed combustion chamber, automatic control) as of January 1, 2023.
- Compliance with other deadlines and requirements of the current anti-smog resolution for Małopolska, including replacement of out-of-class boilers by the end of 2022 and class 3 and 4 boilers by the end of 2026.
