Negros Coal Plant Project Opposed

From Manila Bulletin

(http://ph.news.yahoo.com/negros-coal-plant-project-opposed-080749770.html)

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Negros Coal Plant Project Opposed

MANILA, Philippines - An environmental group slammed the construction of more coal-fired power plants in the Philippines, citing the proposal to construct two coal-fired power plants in Negros Occidental.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia said the project proposal is a ''clear violation of the 100 percent Renewable Energy (RE) policy established in Negros Island in 2002.''

The group called on Cadiz City Mayor Patrick Escalante to reverse his decision. The proposed coal plants in Negros are targeted to generate 170 megawatts (MW).

''This decision is technically illegal and sabotages Negros Island's pioneering renewable energy policy which has been hailed worldwide as a model for energy sustainability,'' Greenpeace Southeast Asia climate and energy campaigner Anna Abad said.

''The people of Negros Island do not want coal plants-Negros was the first ever province in Southeast Asia to reject coal power, and to commit to 100 percent renewable power generation. Mayor Escalante has committed a grave disservice to Negrenses. Instead of promoting dirty coal power, he should keep Negros on track with its RE commitments, which he is duty-bound to do,'' she added.

Greenpeace pointed out that burning of coal for fuel pollutes the air and water, ruins crops and negatively impacts community health and livelihood.

It also cited that Negros Occidental is the first province in Southeast Asia to embark on a sustainable energy-based development agenda crafted collectively by local and national government, progressive industry, and civil society.

In 2002, Negros became the first ever community in Asia to reject a coal power plant installation, and to commit to becoming the first province in Southeast Asia to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal and modern biomass.

Abad said Negros Island has a vast potential for clean energy such as wind, solar and modern biomass that is just waiting to be harnessed.

She added that crucial to the development of the RE sources in the island is the implementation of the Renewable Energy Law which, four years after it was passed, is still not yet fully implemented by the Department of Energy.

Greenpeace also expressed its disappointment with Negros Governor Joseph Marañon's support for the coal plants.