10 February 1997       Doc. 7752

ADOC7752

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on the exposure to electromagnetic fields

of long-distance power lines

presented by Mr LORENZI and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

      The issue of the effects caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields of long-distance power lines has been extensively debated for some years now.

      However, for various reasons it has been difficult to reach clear conclusions on this subject, and therefore any decision on a proper resolution involving an action plan has been postponed.

      As an example, we can mention here the legal case between the Municipality of Dogliani (in the Province of Cuneo, Northern Italy) and the Regional Authorities of Piedmont on the one hand and the Italian National Electricity Board (ENEL) on the other.

      As a result of action undertaken by the local authorities and by members of the Regional Assembly and the national Parliament, the Regional Government of Piedmont decided to withdraw its authorisation for the construction of a 32 kilometre-long power line providing 132 kV. Against this decision ENEL has filed a complaint with the Regional Administrative Court.

      Without going into further detail and even though a settlement is now being found to this specific case - as ENEL is ready partly to meet the request to bury the line in the section which crosses the most populated areas - we feel it necessary to call for a more comprehensive approach to the problem both in terms of scientific and technological solutions and in view of a wider European policy in this area.

      To this purpose we wish to recall that at the end of August 1992 the French Government signed an agreement with EDF (Electricité de France) whereby the electricity board was committed to bury 40% of its power lines and to pay compensation to those owners of houses close to a 380 kV line who wanted to sell their properties. The agreement also included provisions for the assessment of the environmental impact to be extended to high-tension lines in excess of 60 kV.

      It is therefore more than appropriate that an authoritative international organisation, such as the Council of Europe - whose principles and action are mainly devoted to the protection of human rights - should make its valuable contribution. It should above all try to bring about a clear picture of the issues at stake, including an accurate and unbiased analysis of current research studies and of their results.

      Furthermore, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should stress the role of local authorities and the need for them to be assured freedom of action. Local authorities are indeed best placed to be the strongest advocate and the true defender of those constitutional powers and rights designed to protect and guarantee both the properties and above all the health of each citizen.

Signed: 1

Lorenzi, Italy, LDR

Speroni, Italy, LDR

Roseta, Portugal, EPP

Brancati, Italy, NR

Caccia, Switzerland, EPP

Cioni, Italy, SOC

Gnaga, Italy, LDR

Diana, Italy, EPP

Polenta, Italy, EPP

Turini, Italy, EDG

Rewaj, Poland, SOC

1 ¹       SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP: Group of the European People's Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: Not registered