Washington Post: Coal-reliant Poland increasingly out of step with Europe on climate change

WARSAW, Poland — Frustrations with Poland are growing in the European Union after the coal-powered nation for a second time blocked the EU’s long-term plans for cutting carbon emissions.

As the lone dissenting voice, Poland last week vetoed the EU’s road map for emissions reductions beyond 2020, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and EU officials.

Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said the EU’s executive commission would press ahead with plans for a low-carbon economy despite Poland’s objections.

“They cannot set the pace for all of Europe,” Hedegaard told The Associated Press.  MORE