NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih urged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday (June 7) to prioritize the handling of nuclear power, emphasizing his commitment to a clear energy policy if elected.
Following a city council meeting earlier that day, Hou reiterated his support for nuclear power, stating that it is the responsibility of the ruling government to address nuclear waste and find a safe disposal method, while local governments can only provide advice.
Hou has consistently proposed to the central government the construction of a temporary indoor dry storage unit for the two retired nuclear power plants in New Taipei City instead of transforming the city into a permanent storage site for nuclear waste.
He highlighted the significance of preventing power shortages in Taiwan, as they are closely tied to the country's safety and economic development. "If the DPP fails to deliver on its energy policy promises, let me be the one to fulfill them," Hou asserted.
Furthermore, Hou expressed his ambition to assess nuclear safety using rigorous standards thoroughly and emphasized his determination to clarify the proportions of each energy source.
The mayor's statements were in response to a campaign office statement from DPP Vice President Lai Ching-te, issued the day before, which reaffirmed the DPP's unwavering commitment to building a 'nuclear-free homeland' and criticized Hou for not presenting any concrete policies regarding nuclear waste disposal throughout his tenure.
