Scottish Government Abandons Green Heating Transition Plans

The Scottish Government has decided to abandon its Heat in Buildings Bill, which aimed to mandate the replacement of gas boilers with greener heating alternatives like heat pumps by a set deadline. Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin cited concerns that the legislation would 'make people poorer' and stated a need to ensure that any future bill would simultaneously address fuel poverty and decarbonization. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups and Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie, who argue that it undermines Scotland's climate goals and fails to provide necessary support for households transitioning to clean energy. Heating accounts for 18.5% of Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions, and the scrapping of the bill may delay efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Martin emphasized that a revised bill would be introduced only when she is confident it will not negatively impact household finances. This move has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling climate change amidst rising energy costs.