Outgoing governor points to Japan as an example for clean energy
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With the proposed San Carlos City coal-fired power plant reportedly pushing through despite Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. earlier issuing an executive order declaring the province “coal-free,” the outgoing official said he will leave the matter with the next gubernatorial administration.
Earlier this year, when Negros Occidental Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson was still a gubernatorial candidate, he said a majority of San Carlos City residents are supportive of the project.
“If they want it then I would support it,” he said.
Marañon said he “did what he could” and reiterated his agreement with Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza and environmentalist groups that expressed opposition to the power plant.
“If you look at Japan, they have already phased out coal plants and instead they changed it to biomass and other renewable types of energy,” he added. However, Japan is also home to 37 nuclear reactors with more still pending restarts, along with plans to construct new facilities in the future.
In addition, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis noted earlier this year, while the Japanese government earlier indicated it would not construct new coal-fired power plants, the Environment Ministry said “it will not sanction construction of new large coal-fired power plants nor boilers to existing facilities.”
According to a report in the Nikkei Asian Review last year, “Over 80 percent of Japan’s energy supply comes from fossil fuels.”
Marañon called it “sad” if Lacson were to revoke his executive order, noting, “It is not just a local issue, it’s a worldwide issue because climate change is here.”
“If [sea levels] continue to rise, half of Cadiz City could go underwater,” he added. “Let us not wait until the climate change becomes irreversible.”
Earlier, Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Romel Debulgado announced the proposed San Carlos City coal-fired power plant will push through.
Debulgado, who chairs the Provincial Board Committee on Environment, said, while the company in charge of the power plant is still processing documentation, he believes the project will proceed. The provincial official pointed out, after visits to existing coal plants in Iloilo City, no environmental problems were detected in the surrounding areas.
He added, coal plants benefit the local economy./DGB, WDJ