German government accused of increasing air pollution by ending wood heating subsidies
Deutsche Umwelthilfe criticizes the German government for ending subsidies for wood heating systems with filters and delaying stricter emissions standards, risking increased air pollution.
Berlin, July 23, 2026 – The German environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has criticized the federal government's decision to abruptly end subsidies for biomass heating systems that feature particle filters and emit less fine dust. The organization argues this move will encourage the installation of new, more polluting wood heating systems rather than cleaner alternatives.
Simultaneously, the government has postponed the implementation of stricter dust emission limits by over a year, to October 1, 2027. DUH states this contradicts a court ruling demanding improved air quality and risks increasing fine particulate matter levels in Germany, which already exceed EU limits in many areas.
Jürgen Resch, DUH's federal managing director, stated that the government is actively hindering air quality improvements, despite a ruling from Germany's highest administrative court ordering it to strengthen its national air purification program. Resch highlighted that fine particulate matter was responsible for an estimated over 57,000 deaths in Germany in 2023, and the government's actions endanger human lives.
DUH has sued the government to enforce a binding national air purification program. The case is scheduled for hearing at the Federal Administrative Court on September 16. The organization hopes the court will compel the government to implement immediate emission reductions.