On Thursday, Taiwan’s Environmental Ministry announced a comprehensive review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system, which has remained largely unchanged for three decades. Next month, the ministry will host community forums across the country to gather public and expert opinions, aiming to enhance transparency and effectiveness through strengthened civic participation and improved review procedures.
The EIA system, implemented 30 years ago with only four minor revisions since, needs updating to meet changing environmental conditions and social demands. Department of Environmental Protection Director-General Hsu Su-chih (徐淑芷) noted that Taiwan's unique EIA framework—borrowed from the U.S. system but featuring distinctive "veto power" and "dual competent authority"—has positioned the ministry as either an obstacle to economic development or a servant to business interests, necessitating this review.
The ministry initiated the assessment project last December and has completed public opinion surveys. Four public forums will be held in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan in March, followed by expert consultations. Feasibility discussions are scheduled for September, with improvement measures expected by year-end. While administrative changes can be implemented quickly, legislative amendments will require parliamentary approval.
Key issues being considered include whether all development projects should undergo comprehensive assessments instead of preliminary reviews, addressing criticism regarding lengthy review processes and reconsidering the validity of previously approved assessments for delayed projects. The ministry remains open-minded about the “veto power” and “dual competent authority” aspects of the current system.