The present Act contains the Icelandic Master Plan for Nature Protection and Energy Utilization, a tool designed to bridge opposing views and interests regarding land use in areas rich in energy resources in Iceland. Its objective is to ensure that the utilization of geographical areas where there are power plant options, is based on long-term views and a comprehensive evaluation of the interests involved, taking into account the conservation value of nature and of cultural historical relics, the cost effectiveness and profitability of various different options for utilization and other values that affect the national interest, as well as the interests of those who use these same resources, having sustainable development as a guide. The Act mandates the Executive to present to the Icelandic Parliament, at a minimum every four years, a proposal for a resolution concerning the Plan for nature protection and energy utilization. This Plan shall contain the formulation of a strategy on whether a land area where there are power plant options should by utilized for energy generation, or whether there is a reason to protect these areas or if they should be explored further. Power plant options in the relevant areas are accordingly classified into an energy utilization category, a protection category, or an on hold category (art. 3). The Act establishes a steering committee which will function in an advisory capacity to the minister regarding the preparations for the drawing up of the proposals for the Plan, setting its composition and working procedure.
Islande · 2011-05-16