Group lauds governor-elect for maintaining coal-free Negros

BACOLOD. Negros Occidental Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson. (SunStar File)
BACOLOD. Negros Occidental Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson. (SunStar File)

AN ENVIRONMENTALIST group lauded Negros Occidental governor-elect Eugenio Lacson for declaring that he has no plans to repeal the executive order that declared the province of Negros Occidental as coal-free.

The executive order was signed by outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

In a statement, Coleen Awit of the Youth for Climate Hope and Coal-Free Negros said the executive order was a huge victory for the Negrosanons but clearly an initial one and they highly anticipate the different ways forward.

Awit appealed to Lacson that the provisions in the said order be reviewed and enforced as soon as possible, pointing to Section 3 of the order which mandates the establishment of the Provincial Renewable Energy Council (PREC).

The environmental group leader, also requested Lacson to initiate and propose legislative measures to the incoming vice governor and members of the provincial board to fast track the passage of the proposed Renewable Energy Ordinance.

"We appeal that you stand with us Negrosanons and help secure the sustainability of the island. We assure you that when you finally side with us, we are beyond willing to collaborate with you and discuss how we can meet the energy demand without relying on coal and without compromising the people and the planet," she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, June 26, Lacson said he has no plans to repeal the executive order.

He also clarified that he does not approve of the power plant, pointing out that neither the Office of the Governor nor the Office of the Vice Governor has the authority to issue a building permit.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Romel Debulgado, who chairs the Provincial Board Committee on Environment, said the proposed power plant will push through.

The provincial official pointed out after visiting existing coal plants in Iloilo City that no environmental problems were detected in the surrounding areas.

He added that coal plants benefit the local economy.

According to officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), Negros Occidental is the only province in the Visayas that will have no reliable inland power source within the next five years.

DOE-Visayas energy management division chief Rey Maleza said both Cebu and Iloilo are expected to open coal-fired power plants within the year, with two located in Cebu and one in Iloilo.

“This additional 480 megawatts, to be generated from the three power plants will suffice for the Visayas requirements [over] the next five years,” he added.

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