{"id":142757,"date":"2025-05-30T17:39:52","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T17:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/a69-neonicotinoids-zfe-a-grim-week-of-setbacks-for-political-ecology-at-teknomers\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T17:39:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T17:39:54","slug":"a69-neonicotinoids-zfe-a-grim-week-of-setbacks-for-political-ecology-at-teknomers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/a69-neonicotinoids-zfe-a-grim-week-of-setbacks-for-political-ecology-at-teknomers\/","title":{"rendered":"A69, neonicotinoids, ZFE… A grim week of setbacks for political ecology at Teknomers."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As May draws to a close, \u00a0setbacks\u00a0 have piled up for environmentalists in France. In the National Assembly, laws aimed at protecting the environment have been dismantled, while the judiciary dealt a blow to the controversial A69 motorway project. This marks a particularly grim week for ecological advocates.<\/p>\n\n

The phrase, \u201cThis term will be ecological or it won\u2019t be,\u201d uttered by Emmanuel Macron<\/a> during his reelection campaign in 2022, seems almost quaint now. Three years later, as Macron holds the keys to the \u00c9lys\u00e9e, ecology finds itself in dire straits.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cWe are experiencing the worst week for the environment in a long time,\u201d laments Marine Tondelier, the national secretary of the Ecologists on X. She compares the situation to the \u201cnightmare\u201d seen in the American dramedy Don\u2019t Look Up<\/i>, where scientists desperately attempt to warn humanity of an impending asteroid strike, ultimately in vain.<\/p>\n\n

\n\u201cThe asteroid isn\u2019t coming tomorrow; it\u2019s here now,\u201d warns the regional councilor from Hauts-de-France. \u201cIf ecology loses, all of humanity loses.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Since Monday, May 26, however, the Palais Bourbon seems to be encased in a protective dome; the \u00a0threat\u00a0 posed by climate change appears far removed. Measures established during Macron\u2019s first term are unraveling under political pressure.<\/p>\n\n

\u2022 First Act: The Return of Neonicotinoids<\/h2>\n

The primary target? The ban on neonicotinoid pesticides, implemented in 2018. Among the five banned substances, one stands out: \u00a0acetamiprid\u00a0. The agricultural bill, named after its initiator, Senator Laurent Duplomb, proposes its reintroduction “for a period of three years.” This follows Brussels’ approval of this neonicotinoid until 2033.<\/p>\n\n

In support of the law, farmers argue for the efficacy of neonicotinoids against pests damaging sugar beet and hazelnut crops. Claiming they lack alternatives to combat these pests, French farmers express concerns over competing unfairly with their European neighbors.<\/p>\n\n

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A farmer counting sugar beet plants in Pont-du-Ch\u00e2teau, central France, November 7, 2019 \u00a9 Thierry Zoccolan \u00a9 2019 AFP<\/span><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

On the other side of the debate, \u00a0critics\u00a0 highlight the potential human health risks posed by these substances. \u201cAcetamiprid is an extremely dangerous pesticide,\u201d warns Beno\u00eet Biteau, an ecologist deputy from Charente-Maritime. Currently, the health risks remain uncertain due to a lack of extensive research.<\/p>\n\n

Environmental advocates also lament the impact of neonicotinoids on vital pollinators, earning these substances the moniker \u201cbee killers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

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Demonstration against the exemptions for the use of neonicotinoids on September 23, 2020, at the Invalides in Paris \u00a9 Thomas COEX \u00a9 2019 AFP<\/span><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

With the groundwork established, the political maneuvers create considerable tension. Amid the disputes over content, a strategic procedure supported by the center-right led to a striking “motion of rejection.” The aim? To bypass the \u201cwall\u201d of over 2,000 ecological and insoumis amendments deemed to be obstructive. This tactic sends the proposed law back to a mixed commission of deputies and senators, potentially benefiting the negotiation process.<\/p>\n\n

Described by critics as a \u201cdisguised 49.3,\u201d this legislative maneuver erupted in outrage across the left. In response, LFI has filed a motion of censure<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

\u2022 Second Act: Setback on the A69 Construction<\/h2>\n

Two days later, a hot-button issue resurfaced. In Toulouse, the administrative court approved the resumption of the A69 motorway project, connecting Toulouse to Castres, starting mid-June. This ruling shocked environmentalists, who have long criticized the project for its environmental implications.<\/p>\n\n

Activists point to the hundreds of hectares of farmland disrupted and nearly a hundred endangered species at risk. The court\u2019s decision has been met with disbelief and anger.<\/p>\n\n

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Aerial view of the construction site for the A69 highway near Verfeil, Haute-Garonne \u00a9 Ed JONES \/ AFP<\/span><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

This disappointment is even greater given that environmentalists had previously celebrated a judicial suspension of the \u00a0370-million-euro\u00a0 project in March, as the court deemed there was no “imperative public interest” justifying environmental degradation.<\/p>\n\n

While Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot described the court’s decision as a “true relief,” environmentalists have condemned it as “a decision against the environment, against citizen will, and against common sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

\n\u201cI’m not against the A69; I’m for life and the future of our children,\u201d<\/span> Marine Tondelier asserted on BFMTV.<\/blockquote>\n\n

\u201cDo these politicians with children look in the mirror and feel pride? I\u2019m ashamed,\u201d said Thomas Brail, a leading figure in the protest movement, during a demonstration in Toulouse. Facing continued indignation, he plans to intensify protests with a hunger strike as work resumes.<\/p>\n\n

Nonetheless, some hope remains for the project’s detractors. The administrative court will soon rule on the substance of the matter. “The legal battle continues; victory remains possible,” environmentalists insist, seemingly ignoring the challenging political landscape shaping up in the Assembly.<\/p>\n\n

In mid-May, the Senate passed a \u00a0“validation” proposal\u00a0 allowing work to continue without waiting for a ruling on the substance. This proposal is expected to be swiftly adopted once it reaches the Assembly on June 2, alarming opponents who view it as unconstitutional. This marks the second significant defeat for environmental advocacy.<\/p>\n\n

\u2022 Third Act: Concrete Again Takes Ground<\/h2>\n

Back in the National Assembly, it wasn’t the concrete poured by Atosca for the A69 that captivated deputies. Instead, it was the conversation surrounding the \u00a0“zero net land consumption” (ZAN)\u00a0 principle, intended to combat the asphaltification of natural and agricultural spaces.<\/p>\n\n

In a bill centered on economic simplification, the \u00a0right-wing\u00a0 and \u00a0National Rally\u00a0 representatives approved new exemptions by a narrow margin.<\/p>\n\n

The adopted article permits “up to 30%” extra land conversion \u00a0without justification\u00a0. Another amendment, supported by part of the macronist party, removes projects recognized as ”\u00a0major national interests\u00a0” from the ZAN quota. This change is intended to facilitate industrial projects across the country.<\/p>\n\n

Originally established in 2021 during the climate convention initiated by Macron, this initiative has been “completely drained of its substance,” rejoiced RN member Pierre Meurin. Meanwhile, the left laments its inability to persuade enough members. “There will be damage sooner or later,” warned Lise Belluco, the \u00a0ecologist deputy\u00a0 from Vienne.<\/p>\n\n

\u2022 Fourth Act: The Retreat on Low Emission Zones (ZFE)<\/h2>\n

The coup de gr\u00e2ce was delivered by the \u00a0abolishment\u00a0 of low-emission zones (ZFE), intended to empower local governments to restrict circulation for the most polluting vehicles near city centers. This measure aims to reduce air pollution, which causes over \u00a08,000 premature deaths\u00a0 each year in \u00cele-de-France, according to a notice from Paris authorities.<\/p>\n\n

However, criticism has surged. Many politicians, especially on the right, argue that ZFE regulations unfairly target lower-income groups who cannot afford to switch vehicles.<\/p>\n\n

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A sign delineating a low-emission zone in Rouen \u00a9 BFM Normandie<\/span><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

The outcome? This key element of the Climate and Resilience Law enacted during Macron\u2019s first term faced a significant setback on May 28. The maneuver originated from the very macronists who had voted for its establishment in 2019.<\/p>\n\n

\n“It’s a rebuke to the government,” commented Jean-Baptiste Pegeon, an Ecologist regional councilor in \u00cele-de-France.<\/span>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

The \u00a0RN\u00a0, along with right-wing and LFI deputies, voted for its repeal against ecological and socialist advocates.<\/p>\n\n

Marine Le Pen, the RN leader, celebrated what she termed a “defeat of punitive ecology,” while Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot called for improving the measure with “sensible policies,” warning against turning the French against each other. Meanwhile, the insoumis highlighted a “victory” against what they called “an unjust regulation,” emphasizing the urgent need to plan mobility and invest adequately in public transportation alternatives.<\/p>\n\n

This cross-party vote sparked considerable upheaval. Cl\u00e9ment Beaune, the High Commissioner for Planning, lamented on RMC that political alliances and posturing from the LFI and RN distorted public debate, distancing the ruling party from responsibility. He also criticized a \u00a0public discourse\u00a0 rich with “Trumpian post-truth” attributions of “lies.”<\/p>\n\n

Yet again, optimism persists among defenders of the ZFE; the Constitutional Council may strike down the amendment, claiming it lacks relevance to the bill it accompanies.<\/p>\n\n

Thus, this abolishment, labeled “a disastrous error for future generations” by Montpellier’s socialist mayor, Micha\u00ebl Delafosse, may not yet be a finalized saga. Is there a future victory for ecology on the horizon?<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n
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General News – 2<\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As May draws to a close, \u00a0setbacks\u00a0 have piled up for environmentalists in France. In the National Assembly, laws aimed at protecting the environment have been dismantled, while the judiciary dealt a blow to the controversial A69 motorway project. This marks a particularly grim week for ecological advocates. The phrase, \u201cThis term will be ecological […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":142758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142757"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142757\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}