ENVIRONMENTAL group Green Alert Network (GAN) in Negros Island is opposing the coal-fired power project on the island.
It also supports the initiative of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to declare Negros as a coal-free island.
“We also laud and support the Diocese of San Carlos on its stand in opposing to the plan of San Miguel Corporation in putting up a 300-megawatt coal plant in San Carlos City environment,” the group said in a statement.
GAN has been protesting the coal industry since this was introduced in the province in 2010. “We said it then and we still say it now, no to coal!"
The group debunked the claim of Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson that the island does not have the targeted power it needs and that solar power plant is not a stable energy source.
“In contrary to his statement, there is even a concern over the possibility of over-contracting of power supply in the island. This over-contracting for power even became very expensive for us consumers especially that these contracted energies are sourced from coal,” the group said.
“The only way for our island to be energy secure is to harness the unlimited power of renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy,” the group said.
“Coal is dirty. Coal is destructive. It pollutes water. It is dangerous as it causes air pollution and emits greenhouse gases. Coal does not only affect the health of the host communities and the environment and climate but also destroy local livelihoods and industries,” the group said.
GAN called on the Negrenses to be good environmental stewards. “Many live without energy but no one lives without clean air.”