Ecology, Energy, Estonia, Legislation, Taxation

Minister of the Environment Mati Raidma said in a telephone interview to national television that the tax system with gradually rising fees remains unchanged, but companies need extra transition time to adapt to changes.

The government's plan has aroused strong opposition among oil shale mining companies.

Raidma said that the government did not make decisions concerning the change of mining volumes because only the parliament can decide that change.

Pollution fees concern over 1,600 Estonian companies whose activities result in hazardous substances reaching the environment.