THE Green Alert Negros (GAN) is urging the Provincial Board of Negros Occidental to immediately act on the irrevocable termination of the Province's memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Energy Development Corporation (EDC) due to the latter's alleged violations.
GAN sent a copy of its position paper to the offices of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson last November 12.
The letter stated that EDC failed to deliver its commitment of 49 megawatts (MW) from its exploration inside the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
GAN added that the five megawatts EDC produced is nowhere felt although there have been reports that they are selling it outside the province.
"It is a gross violation of the MOA which says EDC geothermal power outputs must be sold to the province for the use of consumers at a rate equivalent to the standards of renewable energy," GAN said.
The environment group also slammed EDC for the "irreversible damage" it caused to the ecosystem, particularly in Mt. Kanlaon, claiming the reforestation efforts of the geothermal producer can never replace the century-old trees it cut.
"EDC also failed to submit regular, comprehensive, and honest report of its performance to the Provincial Board, which is a requirement stipulated in the agreement," GAN said.
The group added that "these violations are so serious and encompassing" for the ecosystems, and the current and future life of Negrenses that the provincial government must act by immediately terminating the agreement.
GAN urged the Provincial Board to stipulate in the same termination order the stopping of all operations and activities of EDC in another part of Negros Island with pending resolutions, providing appropriate penalties for its violation.
"We pray and hope that the Provincial Board will continue to make true their commitment as stewards in the protection and conservation of our natural resources," the group added.