Letter urges President to reconsider coal energy

Letter urges President to reconsider coal energy

Published on Monday, 01 July 2013 19:27

A request letter is being sent to President Thein Sein urging him to reconsider construction of coal plants, according to a meeting on clean air held at Park Royal Hotel in Yangon on June 29.

"If Myanmar thinks of constructing power plants to be run with clean coal technology, it needs to be assessed commercially. As the country places too much reliance on other countries to meet domestic demand in energy, coal may be a barrier for sustainable development," the letter said.

The request letter points out that coal plants can have a negative impact on public health, create environmental pollution, climate change and create political crises.

Toxic ash, gas and sewage water coming from the coal plants can have negative impacts on arable farmlands, marine animals and biodiversities.

 In addition, they can be harmful to food security and sustainable development, the request letter added.

"Today's meeting is held as a part of movement for the end of coal era in the world. We will have to take time to end the coal era," said MD Win Myo Thu of Ecodev.

Defects have been pointed out in the existing environmental conservation law. The punishment given to those violating laws is not severe. Much time should be taken to improve the Environmental Conservation Department, the request letter said.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/07/02/letter-urges-president-to-reconsider-coal-energy/