Geneva Grand Council debates Conflan dam and climate law

The Geneva Grand Council has approved a motion seeking guarantees from French and federal authorities regarding the Conflan hydroelectric dam project. The project, located on the Rhône between Chancy and France, aims to produce approximately 120 GWh of electricity, covering about 2.2 percent of the canton's needs. While supporters advocate for the renewable energy source, the Council of State has expressed skepticism, citing a lack of substantive feedback from France and the Confederation. Opponents have raised concerns regarding biodiversity loss and the impact on the renaturation of the Rhône.

Separately, a coalition of nine environmental and labor organizations held a demonstration in front of the Grand Council to demand the acceleration of the cantonal climate law. Protesters highlighted that the current rate of emission reduction in the canton is insufficient to meet necessary targets. The proposed law, which is a compromise between employers, unions, and ecologists, remains pending before the environmental commission.