The media is reporting that the curtain may soon fall on the controversy over the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant
Under a democratic system, the position of any single individual may not take precedence over the position of the majority. A truly capable leader is someone who can think from different perspectives, make good use of the collective wisdom, consider both ideals and reality, and consider matters from the standpoint of collective welfare. He or she must make wise decisions, and reach his or her goals gradually.
An end to the debate over the plant as soon as possible is the wish of the majority of the people. Both government officials and elected legislative representatives must respect the popular will and our constitutional system of government. They must not make more trouble. Let the storm end here once and for all. Let us hope that everyone has learned valuable lessons from the whole affair to be used as a reference in the handling of major policy decisions in the future.
After the controversy has ended, many matters will be waiting for appropriate resolution, and I would like to submit my opinions on some of them.
One, if construction of the plant is resumed, the quality of the construction is of the utmost importance, as the plant will either be put into use or considered a back-up energy source. While the controversy has been raging, the morale of the workers has nosedived to an all-time low. It is worth examining whether the quality of construction was affected during that period. The quality of construction must be guaranteed, and the safety of the power plant should not be at issue under any circumstances.
Two, the biggest drawback in resuming construction of the plant lies in the management of nuclear waste. Irrespective of whether construction of the plant continues, the government must use the most advanced technology to process nuclear waste, so that people won't fear the use of nuclear energy.
Three, the government must provide the best care possible for the residents of the area surrounding the power plant, and give them adequate compensation. The government should beautify the environment of the surrounding area to minimize nearby inhabitants' resentment and fears towards the power plant.
Four, research and development of recycled energy should be conducted with the goal of replacing nuclear power within the shortest time period. We should not forget the importance of exploring recycled energy just because energy will be plentiful in the next few years as a result of the new plant's construction.
Five, an all-encompassing but flexible energy law should be drafted. With the rapidly evolution of technology, resources and forms of energy considered to be the best now could be replaced within a few years. Likewise, forms of energy and resources considered least desirable now may become our only option within a few years. Drafting a dogmatic law will only create endless dispute.
Six, Taiwan's economic development strategy should be fully reviewed. Taiwan is an over-populated country lacking in natural resources. Taiwan's greatest resources are its manpower and brainpower. Improving people's knowledge and creativity through education, in the hope of moving toward high-knowledge-based and low-pollution industries, should be the most pressing task facing the government. We should not fear the relocation overseas of high-energy consuming and high-pollution industries. What we need to worry about is the inability to create new industries.
Seven, we should actively promote energy conservation among our citizens. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Denmark, an energy exporting country. When our train entered Denmark at night, my first impression was dimness. It was an entirely different scene from the bright lights of Taipei. The people of Taiwan love their night life and do not make good use of precious daylight. Why can't we change our lifestyles to conserve energy? In Taiwan, stores are open from 11am to 9pm. Why can't we follow most other countries and change the opening hours to 8am to 6pm? The number of hours would be the same.
Contrary to what a small number of experts tell us, solar energy is not easily developed. They have forgotten the enormous amount of energy consumed and the large amount of poisonous fumes caused by the production of solar batteries. The easiest way to make good use of solar energy is to change our life styles. Changing a minor component of our daily routine often conserves a great amount of energy, while also protecting the environment.
Eight, the word is spreading overseas that a minority of people insist on resuming construction of the plant in order to receive kickbacks. In the name of the rule of law, the government is obligated to investigate whether these are merely rumors made by the plant's opponents to deceive the public. Seeking popular support through unfair practices is an illness of democratic societies. Of course, the receipt of kick-backs -- if these rumors are true -- is illegal.
In a diversified society, everyone may hold different views and beliefs. No one knows everything about issues involving multi-dimensional technology. What is important is staying rational and objective in discussions, irrespective of whether you are a government official, expert or scholar. We must not confuse professional, legal and policy issues. Do not stubbornly insist on engaging in pointless disputes. Recognition of this is for the benefit of the people and consistent with the spirit of democracy.
Cheng Tien-tso is a research fellow at the Academia Sinica.
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