THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is drafting a position paper on the proposed study of geothermal producer Energy Development Corp. (EDC) in the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).
Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao, chairman of the Provincial Board committee on chairman of committee on laws, rules and ordinances, said Wednesday he was tasked to draft the joint statement of the executive and legislative regarding the issue.
Gatuslao said there is already an initial position paper, but he pointed out that the provincial government should answer in terms of policy, and not legal basis.
“If we base our arguments on the law, we couldn’t do anything because the law can be changed anytime. A law can be repealed or amended,” he said.
Gatuslao added that “the fact that they’re confident to explore, they know something that we don’t.”
“The provincial government should come up with a clear policy that this is what we want and that is no exploration and that we’re pro-environment. If you (EDC) wants to come in, we want renewable energy,” he said.
Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson had earlier said the provincial government is opposing any proposed geo-scientific study of EDC in Mount Mandalagan, which is part of the NNNP.
He said they will not allow any new geothermal project in the NNNP, adding that Negros Occidental is heading towards renewable energy.