Fines proposed for burning plant residues

Those who practice burning of plant residues in autumn could face fines of up to 20,000 lei, after the Parliament's Legal Commission today approved a draft amendment to the Code of Administrative Offenses to this effect, Info-Prim Neo reports. The proposed fines range from 2,000 to 3,000 lei for individuals and from 10,000 to 20,000 lei for legal entities. Citing expert findings, Lib-Dem MP Tudor Deliu noted that the burning of dry plants led to soil degradation and wasted potential material for alternative energy. Liberal Mihai Ghimpu insisted that the measure should provide exceptions depending on the areas involved. “We can't fine people for burning a pile of leaves gathered in their kitchen gardens. Moreover, peasants also use smoke to protect fruit trees from freezing”. The police will be responsible for imposing the fines as, according to the Commission, the Environment Ministry doesn't have enough personnel across the country, in particular in rural areas.