Germany's enviro-nannies may be getting even loonier. Not only is CO2 a threat to humanity, they claim, but so is wood-heating and the fine particulates that get emitted.
According to Blackout News here, woodstove owners may soon need to get a "stove operating license" - in order "to learn how to use their fireplace properly."

Granted what's planned is not a new regulation, but will be a "voluntary training course" offered by local authorities - at least for the time being. But most of us know where this eventually leads: to more bureaucratic harassment.

According to Blackout News, the aim of a stove operating license is primarily to teach stove owners "how to operate their stoves more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way" and to "reduce emissions, especially particulate matter".

Strict regulations already in place

German wood-burning stoves are already subject to among the toughest standards in the world, where today only clean-efficiently burning units are allowed. Professional chimney sweepers regularly check stoves, chimneys and stove pipes to make sure only proper firewood is being burned and that the stove is up-to-date. Violators risk fines and having their stove shut down.

Moreover, firewood must be properly dried before burning in an approved proper woodstove. Moreover, citizens wishing to cut their own firewood must either do it by hand, or complete a chainsaw operating safety course, and don regulated protective gear like chainsaw-protective pants & workshoes, faceshield, hearing protection and helmet.

The up-front costs of a stove, chimney, installation, and equipment can easily run over 10,000 euros before burning your first log. Absolutely forget jerry-rigging your own system using an old drum on a cinder block with a stove pipe going through the wall!

Voluntary training for the time being

For now, as already mentioned, the stove operating license in a voluntary measure and no one is forced to take part in the training courses. However, Blackout News warns: "This voluntary nature is met with skepticism by some: Is there a subliminal pressure being built up here that chimney owners feel obliged to take part in such training in order to be on the 'safe side' socially?"

Others criticize that the measure is completely unnecessary as most stove owners already know how to operate their stove safely and have years of experience doing so.

Blackout News comments further: "While it is positive that the training courses are offered free of charge, the question arises as to whether all stove owners really need this help. Many local authorities want to reduce particulate emissions through education and at the same time increase safety in households. However, it remains to be seen whether the voluntary stove license will actually have the desired effect or whether it is just another symbol of excessive regulation."
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