Opposition fast-tracks air pollution bills despite government, industry concerns

Taipei, May 30 (CNA) Opposition lawmakers on Friday fast-tracked two bills that would expand local governments' authority over industrial air pollution, despite warnings from government agencies and business groups that the changes could affect energy supplies and economic activity.

The amendment bills "could broadly affect power supply stability and the economy," the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said in a news release, urging lawmakers not to ignore concerns raised by the ministry and other stakeholders.

Legislative move

At Friday's plenary session, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) used their majority to pull the Air Pollution Control Act amendments from committee review and send them to a floor vote if no consensus is reached within a month.

The ministry said it "deeply regretted" the rush to review the law, warning it could disrupt operations at about 8,000 companies, citing proposed changes to installation and operating permit rules for stationary pollution sources.

Under the bills, introduced by TPP Legislator and KMT Legislator Lo Ting-wei (羅廷瑋), permit validity would be cut to two to five years, or two years in heavily polluted Class III zones, from the current three to five years.

The bills also add a provision invalidating permits if holders fail to secure approval from local or central agencies within two months, a requirement not in current law.

The ministry warned the changes could suspend operations if permits are not approved and raise administrative costs, hurting economic development.

Scope of impact

Taiwan has about 8,000 companies holding 13,000 permits across the power, solar, petrochemical, cement and steel sectors, as well as boilers, which account for 60 percent of all permits, the Ministry of Environment said.

Boilers in hospitals, hotels and restaurants could be affected if the bills pass, Environment Minister Peng Chi‑ming (彭啟明) was quoted as saying in April.

Industry concerns

Additionally, the MOEA called "controversial" provisions proposed to allow local governments to restrict certain fuels and require businesses to adjust emissions volume and concentration.

Chinese National Federation of Industries Secretary-General Leua Jang-hwa (呂正華) said the amendments would hit energy supply and industrial operations, while adding uncertainty for businesses.

Political context

The KMT's Lo, who is from Taichung, home to the heavily polluting Taichung Power Plant, was quoted by local media as saying that the bills were meant to give local governments "tools" to regulate air pollution.

Lo said the amendments would be a first step toward phasing out coal at Taichung Power Plant by 2028 as gas-fired capacity expands, referring to a goal in an opposition-backed resolution the Legislature passed last June that the government opposed.

The non-binding resolution called for all 10 coal-fired units at the Taichung plant to be decommissioned by 2028, six years ahead of the government's 2034 target, with the MOEA warning of energy supply risks and reduced high-tech investment.

Environmental NGO backing

In contrast to government officials and business groups, environmental NGOs, particularly in Taichung, have expressed support for the amendments.

At an April press conference, several NGO representatives criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) over the 2018 amendments that remain in force as the current legislation, passed when it held a legislative majority.

The 2018 Air Pollution Control Act amendments weakened local authority over coal regulation and expanded central control, Yeh Guang-perng (葉光芃), a founder of Air Clean Taiwan, formed by a group of healthcare professionals, said at that time.

Activists said the opposition's amendments would restore local governments' authority, noting they are more familiar with local conditions and residents' needs.

They also argued that the changes would not necessarily harm industry but could offer a chance to promote upgrading and cleaner production.