Sanchez: No need for coal

THIS is going to be my last column before the midterm elections. Like a kid before Christmas I’m still finalizing my list of bets.

Too bad a sure bet is Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. He is saying the right thing. As an environmentalist, Zubiri is walking his talk.

Zubiri, who was the author of Renewable Energy Act of 2008, said Negros Occidental has a solar power capacity of about 400 MW. He acknowledged that said province is the largest source of solar energy in the country.

“I discourage coal-fired power plant here,” he said, stressing that “we have enough technology to produce energy.”

Whee, we are ready for the 21st century at a time when developed countries are weaning themselves from dependence on fossil fuels.

Not only are renewables environment-friendly but profitable.

Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy can reduce the use of fossil fuels, which are major sources of US carbon dioxide emissions.

Climate change skeptic US President Donald Trump has to acknowledge his own government’s data. In Trump’s scheme of things, money talks.

Solar energy has become a more viable option for consumers and businesses as technology has advanced and the cost has fallen. A report by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories reports that the cost of utility-scale solar fell by 30 percent in one year, and solar hardware for residential use, such as Tesla’s solar roofs, is poised for more widespread adoption.

Too bad that the incoming Negrense governor has not made a commitment to oppose coal-fired plants. Eugenio José Lacson is hedging his bets on the ordinance as committees on energy and environment are still doing series of hearings and consultations with the stakeholders.

Lacson said the SP should be careful in passing judgment to the Governor Alfredo Marañón’s request and people should consider its long-term implication who proposed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan an ordinance declaring the entire Negros Occidental coal-free, clean energy, and environment-friendly province.

I’m not holding my breath. Let’s see how the new SP divines the sustainable development of the province.

bqsanc@yahoomail.com

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