In late July, hundreds of citizens from Garrigàs and other municipalities actively participated in submitting allegations against PLATER, demonstrating a desire to be involved in territorial decisions. This collective effort has led to the formation of the Association of Municipalities for the Reform of PLATER, aimed at coordinating the defense of municipal interests regarding the energy planning proposal. Concurrently, 312 municipalities across 38 regions have joined a manifesto advocating for a more balanced and participatory energy transition.
Meanwhile, a new challenge has emerged affecting the future of these towns: the Generalitat has opened a public information period for the Draft Law on simplifying urban and environmental procedures. Several town councils, legal experts, and organizations have warned that certain provisions could diminish municipalities' ability to influence decisions on landscape, agricultural activity, natural heritage, and territorial planning.
The submitted allegations specifically highlight the risk of urban control functions becoming dependent on external mechanisms, thereby reducing the effective decision-making power of local councils. The Garrigàs Town Council acknowledges the legitimacy and necessity of streamlining administrative procedures, but emphasizes that simplification should not come at the expense of distancing decision-making from the territory or reducing citizen and municipal participation.
Both the mobilization against PLATER and the allegations to the new draft law share a common thread: decisions transforming the territory must involve the voice of the towns. This is about preserving the fundamental principle that municipalities and their residents can actively participate in matters affecting the landscape, local economy, natural heritage, and the quality of life for future generations.
The deadline for submitting allegations to the Draft Law is September 30, 2026. The Catalan Network for a Just Energy Transition has provided necessary information and tools to facilitate the submission of these allegations. Citizen participation is deemed more crucial than ever to ensure the voice of the towns is heard in shaping the future of the territory.
