[In the news] Must use coal, for now: President Benigno Aquino III | Sun.Star

Must use coal, for now: President Benigno Aquino III | Sun.Star. CEBU CITY – President Benigno Aquino III commended a Philippine-Korean joint venture for “considering the environment” in building its 200-megawatt coal-fired power plants, which he inaugurated on Monday. A week after launching the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), the president told reporters his administration…

Human Rights Online Philippines

June 28, 2011

1–2 minutes

Benigno Aquino III, Cebu, Cebu City, Clean Air Act, Energy, Human Rights and environment, Philippine, President of the United States, Sun.Star

Must use coal, for now: President Benigno Aquino III | Sun.Star.

CEBU CITY – President Benigno Aquino III commended a Philippine-Korean joint venture for “considering the environment” in building its 200-megawatt coal-fired power plants, which he inaugurated on Monday.

A week after launching the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), the president told reporters his administration has to balance environmental protection with the need for a sustainable power supply to support economic growth.

“While the power plant we are inaugurating today does not necessarily produce renewable energy, it does comply with the Clean Air Act and is very friendly to the environment,” he said in a speech at the Naga power plant complex of the Korean Electric Power Corp. and Salcon Power Corp. (Kepco-SPC).

Coal ash disposal and other problems can be solved to minimize harm to the environment, he said, but the lack of power supply is worse because it can bring down the economy.

His statements will not sit well with environmental groups who have gone to court in Cebu to stop the allegedly indiscriminate disposal of coal ash. The Philippine Earth Justice Center’s case against Kepco-SPC remains pending.

Read full article @ SUNSTAR.com.ph

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HRonlinePH says…
“Coal ash disposal and other problems can be solved to minimize harm to the environment, he said (President Aquino), but the lack of power supply is worse because it can bring down the economy.”

Yes the government is aware of the need to minimize the harm it causes the environment but it’s a must that they will be clear on their plans and alternative.