Antique bans new coal-fired power plants
CONSTRUCTION OF new coal-fired power plants in Antique is now banned following an ordinance passed on Feb. 21 by the provincial board.
Board Member Karmila Rose A. Dimamay, proponent of the ordinance, told the media the policy is in line with the province’s direction towards promoting environment-friendly and sustainable projects.
“Burning coal releases mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and various other heavy metals that can cause asthma and other breathing difficulties, brain damage, heart problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and while there are some protections afforded by law, these are vulnerable to future revisions beyond the control of the province and implementation and strict monitoring have been difficult and weak,” she said.
Antique, a mainly agricultural province, hosts the biggest coal mine in the country along with a coal plant in Semirara Island, which are operated by Semirara Mining and Power Corp.
“As an agricultural province with most of the population being farmers and fisherfolk, Antique can ill afford to bear the destructive effects of coal power on agriculture and fisheries, such as thermal pollution, coal ash resuspension and spillage to water bodies,” part of the ordinance reads.
The local law also provides for the creation of a monitoring team composed of representatives from the province’s environment, health, and legal offices, among others.
The team will be tasked to coordinate with barangay and municipal officials to ensure that no endorsement is issued to any individual entity or corporation that applies for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
It will also be responsible for monitoring and alerting the provincial board on negotiations, applications or amendments to any coal operating contract entered into with the Department of Energy covering any part of the province.
The new policy received support from Deputy Speaker Rep. Loren B. Legarda, representative of the lone district of Antique.
“Proliferation of new coal-fired power plants will only contribute to our own destruction and will only go against our commitment to reduce emissions to ensure livable communities today and for the future. Our goal to reduce carbon emissions will be impossible if we will continue to allow the construction and operation of additional coal-fired power plants. Thus, this crucial action of our local government is a vital step towards climate resilience,” she said in a statement. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo
