Environment Minister Chi-Ming Peng (彭啓明) responded to recent controversy over the potential extension of nuclear power service with continued emphasis on the DPP’s nuclear-free homeland policy. Peng said that although President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has an open mind towards nuclear energy, his position has not changed. He stated that administrative affairs will be implemented in accordance with the Basic Environment Act and nuclear-free homeland policies.
Reactor 1 of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant is scheduled for decommission on July 27. However, an amendment to the KMT’s Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act proposing an extension will be under legislative review next week. Regarding the possibility that the KMT will use its numerical advantage to pass the bill, Peng pointed out that if they want to extend nuclear service, they must also take surrounding residents’ opinions and nuclear waste disposal into consideration. He said that the Environment Ministry will abide by any changes in national laws and regulations.