EPA Official Casts Deciding Vote in Plant EIA|深澳環評差1票過關 藍委批打假球

The environmental impact assessment for an expansion to Taiwan Power Company's coal-fired Shenao Power Plant was recently passed by a margin of one vote. Surprisingly, this crucial vote was cast by the Environmental Protection Administration Deputy Minister Thomas Chan. This caused much upset, and Kuomintang lawmakers accused Chan of manipulating the vote, demanding for his resignation. The result of the secret ballot was eight to eight. The committee chairperson cast the ninth vote, and so this case was amended and passed. Taiwan Power Company has plans to expand its coal-fired Shenao Power Plant, with the expansion plan subject to an environmental impact assessment review. Environmental Protection Administration Deputy Minister Thomas Chan served as the EIA review committee's chairperson. On Mar. 14, he cast the deciding vote that passed the EIA. The plant is located in New Taipei City, whose Environmental Protection Department opposes the expansion. As such, it was extremely upset with the result of the vote, and said it may file an administrative lawsuit. Meanwhile, Kuomintang lawmakers said the vote had been manipulated, and demanded that Chan resign to take responsibility. How could Thomas Chan, an environmental lawyer, cast the crucial ballot during yesterday's EIA vote? Aren't Environmental Protection Administration officials supposed to defend Taiwan against pollution? KMT legislators also demanded the resignation of EPA Minister Lee Ying-yuan during an interpellation on Mar. 15. Lee said he would assume full responsibility. I bear the full responsibility no matter what the outcome is. I will assume the full responsibility, I will, I will. I guarantee there will be improvements, I guarantee there will be improvements. The legislature was angered by this turn of events, and Lee sought to dissuade them from demanding punitive action for Chan, who was back at the EPA chairing a meeting. Chan later appeared in front of the media to explain the reason why he cast the vote that allowed the EIA to pass. Less pollution will be produced by this case compared to the previous case. With regards to increasing the burden, this needs to be decided by the higher levels. Chan added he would not put his personal preferences above the law, and he would let the Executive Yuan decide on what political responsibility he bears. He also said, ultimately, the final decision on whether the expansion plan will be activated lies with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Executive Yuan.