Many countries and cities have enacted laws to prohibit coal and petroleum coke burning for the purpose of safeguarding the air quality which is so vital to human survival.
Six municipalities in central and southern Taiwan have declared their intentions to regulate industrial coal and petroleum coke burning.
However, while Yunlin County has promulgated local legislation banning coal and petroleum coke burning, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), forgetting its position as the authority responsible for protecting the environment, is arrogantly serving as a hatchet man — clashing with public opinion.
Authorities such as these never reflect deeply on the root of problems, and if we cannot rid ourselves of the mentality that always places economic concerns above all else, conflicts between economic development and energy use and those wanting to defend the environment and protect their right to health are likely to continue.
There is much interest in shale oil and shale gas. With the application of hydraulic fracturing, the US extracts shale oil and shale gas.
The method, which lowers the extraction cost considerably, has even been prophesied to change the face of the global energy industry.
However, last year, four municipalities in Colorado imposed moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing even though the measure was passed in local city referendums. One of the four municipalities banned all forms of extraction of oil and gas.
Hydraulic fracturing relies on the injection of high-pressure water and chemical additives into underground shale beds, which can contaminate water sources, pose a threat to the environment and human health, and perhaps even induce small earthquakes.
Although the Colorado State Government’s policy encourages the use of appropriate methods to explore natural resources for the benefit of citizens, local governments in Colorado have legally protected rights to self-governance on local affairs.
The rest of the US faces similar problems when it comes to the extraction of shale oil and shale gas. Many states, such as New York, have taken steps to legislate the prohibition of hydraulic fracturing.
Some members of US Congress have proposed a ban on hydraulic fracturing on federal soil.
BANNING FRACKING
In Europe, almost every country has discontinued the exploration and extraction of shale oil and shale gas due to environmental concerns.
Apparently, the US and most European countries believe that to prioritize public health and environmental protection over economic growth best serves overall national interests.
The government should have a clear understanding that democratic power belongs to the people and is given to the government by the people.
All government policies, including economic ones, should be centered on the public interest and must not deprive people of their rights, such as the right to autonomy and protection of the environment in order to maintain health, security and well-being.
No restrictions should be placed on these rights.
This is why local governments should have the autonomous rights given to them by the people, allowing them to promulgate and define local laws and regulations that serve to rectify or eliminate the inappropriate development of profit-oriented industries.
Wong Ruey-hong is professor at Chung Shan Medical University’s School of Public Health.
Translated by Ethan Zhan
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