Going Green

Pro-Environment Group Commends Government’s Stand to Make Negros Coal-Free

As Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. seeks to declare Negros as “coal-free,” he has found support from pro-environment group Green Alert Network (GAN).

In the center of all of this is the proposed coal-fired power plant in San Carlos City. GAN has been protesting coal energy since 2010 when it was introduced in the province again.

“We said it then and we still say it now — ‘No to Coal!’” the group said in a statement released on Tuesday.

GAN also urged every Negrense to make a stand in protecting the environment by supporting the “No to Coal” campaign in Negros.

 

No to Coal Campaign

Headed by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, the Diocese of San Carlos sent a position paper last month that opposes the proposal of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. to construct a 300-megawatt coal-fired plant in the northern Negros city.

Alminaza has been pushing for the development of renewable energy sources. He does not approve of coal since it causes pollution and harms human health.

Aside from the position paper issued, the bishop also urged the local government of San Carlos as well as the provincial government of Negros Occidental to reject SMC Global’s or any company’s proposal for a coal-fired power plant project.

Governor Marañon responded by urging the Provincial Board last month to pass the ordinance declaring Negros Occidental a coal-free, clean-energy, and environment-friendly province.

With said ordinance, any exploration, establishment, and operation of any coal-fired power plant will be prohibited in the province.

“We promise the people of Negros Occidental that the provincial government, its leaders, offices and staff, are, and will be pursuing a ‘No to any coal-fired power plant in Negros Occidental policy’, as coal-fired power plants and other fossil fuels are scientifically proven to have serious and harmful impacts on the environment and people’s health as well as livelihood,” said Marañon.

Although he is non-commital and says that he is keeping an open mind on the construction of a coal-fired power plant, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the proposed ordinance has been endorsed to the committees on energy, and environment and natural resources.

Green Alert Network, however, has something to say to Lacson who is a former mayor of San Carlos City: “We need to remind the vice governor that the health and safety of the people does not depend on how serious the intent and proposal of San Miguel Corporation (is)…Coal is dirty. Coal is destructive.”

Negros Occidental has five solar power firms, which includes two in San Carlos City, and is the country’s top producer of solar electricity with a generation capacity of 341.5 megawatts.

via Philippine News Agency / Nanette Guadalquiver

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