Climate defenders set up camp on Iloilo coal plant site
LOCAL and foreign environmentalist groups have set up camp Friday on the grounds of the proposed coal plant in Iloilo City, urging the Senate to immediately pass the renewable energy bill.
Armed with colorful banners that read “Quit Coal, Save the Climate,” groups from Greenpeace and Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) have set up the Climate Defenders Camp to oppose coal-powered plants in the country.
“A coal plant does not and must not have any business in Iloilo nor the Philippines anymore. We want clean renewable energy to power the development of the city and our country,” said RISE convener Melvin Pursuelo.
Greenpeace cited a study that claimed the country has more than 200,000 MW of renewable energy, which includes geothermal, wind, solar, biomass, and mini-hydro.
“The majority of the renewable energy potential is yet to be tapped in the absence of investment and development framework because of delays by the Arroyo government to pass the Renewable Energy Bill,” said Greenpeace in a statement.
Various groups have been calling on the Senate to pass the renewable energy bill, which the House of Representatives approved before it adjourned Thursday.
“The passage of the renewable energy is a significant milestone in a country where community opposition against coal power plants has risen due to concerns on climate change and pollution,” said Greenpeace.
The group added that passing renewable energy was needed to “quickly address energy efficiency, the problems of energy distribution and the development of the renewable energy market. We have to do it now while the country sits on 54% of excess electricity and a huge renewable energy potential.”
Abigail Kwok, INQUIRER.net
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