Debate erupts over Taipower’s reconstruction proposal

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A heated debate erupted during an environmental assessment meeting in Taipei on Wednesday (Feb. 26) as the Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) reviewed the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) Hsieh-Ho power station (協和電廠) reconstruction proposal.

Initially, only 20 citizens were allowed to enter the venue and express opinions, sparking discontent. The environmental assessment committee members later agreed to allow all registered citizens to participate.

During the meeting, Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) legislators Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) and Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) raised concerns about the proposal's procedural justice. The meeting chair, however, stated that only committee members could question the meeting procedures.

When Chen attempted to speak, officials blocked her, prompting her to demand the meeting's cancellation. This action ignited public outrage, leading to chaotic scenes with protesters throwing chairs and storming the podium to call for an immediate halt to the review.

Opponents of the project gathered at the podium, while supporters argued that the reconstruction was necessary for a stable power supply. The situation spiraled out of control when opponents allegedly discovered some MOENV staff members wearing hidden recording devices, triggering disputes.

Environmental groups accused Taipower of concealing pollution information and called for a halt to the review process due to procedural deficiencies. Despite the chaos, committee members emphasized the importance of respecting the review process, allowing the development unit to present its report, and reflecting public opinions before further discussions.