In a controversial case of possible pollution, Minister for Environment Magnus Heunicke (Socialdemokratiet) has rejected a demand from six different parties for an independent investigation of the Ministry of the Environment. The parties, including The Conservatives, Enhedslisten, Alternativet, Danmarksdemokraterne, Dansk Folkeparti, and SF, have expressed concern that the ministry has prioritized business interests over environmental concerns in a case involving the release of harmful substances from the company Cheminova. However, the Minister has decided to await the results of an internal investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) before considering further steps. “I believe that is the first natural step. When we have that, we can always discuss whether it is satisfactory. Let’s do it, for sure,” Magnus Heunicke stated to DR.
This decision has been criticized from various sides, including environmental spokesperson for Alternativet, Sascha Faxe, who told DR, “It is not normal for those who commit offenses to investigate themselves. That is completely crazy.” The Ministry of the Environment has denied accusations of breaking the law and assures that business interests have not been prioritized over environmental concerns. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency has denied that specific guidelines have been tailored for Cheminova that would favor the company at the expense of the environment.
The case continues to generate debate on how environmental legislation is enforced in Denmark, and whether further measures are needed to ensure that environmental considerations are always given top priority.