THE Diocese of Lucena has called for the cancellation of three coal-fired power plant projects proposed to be built by SMC Global Power Holdings and Atimonan One Energy (A1E) of the Manila Electric Co. in Quezon, which would add to the environmental degradation already suffered by the province with its existing coal fleet.
The statement, which was signed by over 100 members of the clergy, including Lucena Bishop Mel Rey Uy, has been to the coal proponents and local authorities.
“We call upon these corporations and their power subsidiaries to listen to the cry of the Earth and cancel their plans to set up this dirty, deadly, and costly source of energy. We appeal to the local and national government and their respective agencies to listen to the cry of the people of Quezon and disallow these projects and any further coal plants in our beloved province,” the priests said in their statement.
Municipalities under the Diocese of Lucena are already home to an installed coal capacity of at least 1,644 MW. The proposed projects would triple this with an additional 3,330 MW of coal.
“Already, the people of Quezon have suffered respiratory and skin diseases associated with toxic coal plant emissions. They have been robbed of their land, their livelihood, and their rights from pollution, development aggression, and exclusion from decision-making processes,” they said.
They issued the statement which coincided with the beginning of the Season of Creation, an annual period of prayer and action to address looming ecological issues, especially the climate crisis.
“We oppose these coal-fired power plants also because they are entirely inconsistent with the care of our Common Home so desperately needed today. Their cancellation not only prevents massive greenhouse gas emissions but will stand as a decisive rejection of all unsustainable and carbon-intensive practices here in Quezon and the rest of the country,” they said.
