THE Trade and Environment departments said they will seek to harmonize environmental rules to ensure the steel industry is adequately regulated with the introduction of new production methods.
In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said they will review environmental standards particularly in the context of new steel production technology using induction furnaces, which are thought to be more harmful to the environment.
“What we need in the country are modern, environmentally friendly technologies that will consistently produce quality products,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.
“This collaboration with DENR will help us in promoting industrial capacity building with the use of advanced technology in steelmaking while protecting our environment. This is also a testament that as we drive economic growth, we encourage responsible businesses in the country,” he added.
China a leading steel producer, phased out inductive furnaces in 2017.
The technical working group (TWG) will harmonize policy to ensure that steel production is compliant.
The TWG will look into possibly regulating the use of secondhand equipment, as well as make adjustments to the environmental compliance certificate process for industries like steelmaking and cement. It will also review a possible increase in penalties imposed on violators. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
