Vice guv: Pros and cons will be heard on coal issue

NEGROS Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson assured the Negrenses that pros and cons will be heard in the proposed coal-fired power plant in the province.

Lacson said this is the reason why he referred the matter to the committees on energy and environment in the Provincial Board (PB), adding he does not want to dictate, especially in the conduct of the public hearing.

The PB is acting on the proposed ordinance of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. that there should be no coal-fired power plant and any environmentally unsound power generation technologies including fossil fuels in Negros Occidental.

Lacson said he respects the decision of the governor but he clarified that on his part, he does not want to make a stand on the issue without any discussion.

He said the two committees should hear the sides of those who are in favor and against the coal-fired power plant in Negros Occidental.

Lacson, however, clarified that both renewable and conventional power producers are welcome in the province.

He said Negros is now considered one of the biggest solar power suppliers. Any investor for the hydroelectric plant is also welcome in the province.

He also pointed out that electricity in the province is mostly sourced from coal-fired power plants either in Cebu or Iloilo.

He added that with the continuing developments and growing economy in the province, power is a basic need.

“Building a power plant is not done overnight. We should not wait that we will have a power shortfall. Let's also listen to those against it,” Lacson said.

“Although the province is one of the biggest sources of solar power, I think we cannot totally defend especially in the technology of solar power that we have right now,” he said.

“Negros should brace for mixed-use power for the future,” he added.

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