WHY DONT YOU GET IT - WE DONT WANT COAL

We Must STOP THE COAL FIRED POWER project in Subic Bay.

Here is some powerful information on the negative effects of the Coal Fired Power plant in Masinloc. Excerpts: The Hazardous Masinloc Coal-Fired Power Plant (NGO Forum).

Coal is the dirtiest, most carbon intensive of all fossil fuels, emitting 29 percent more carbon per unit of energy than oil and 80 percent more than gas. It is one of the leading contributors to climate change, the single biggest environmental threat facing the planet today. Furthermore, a study conducted by the European Commission in 2003 on different types of power generation bared that coal-fired power plants registered the highest external cost. External costs arise when project impacts such as damages to human health are not fully accounted or compensated for by a power plant like Masinloc.

Ash samples taken from Philippine coal-fired power plants such as Masinloc all revealed the presence of mercury—a deadly neurotoxin, arsenic—a known carcinogen, as well as the hazardous substances lead and chromium.5 Host populations/communities, like those in Masinloc, have been exposed to such health risks. This report runs counter to the Bank’s pronouncements that the environmental impacts of MTPP are well within the limits set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Likewise, bleaching of coral reefs surrounding the coal plant in Masinloc has been reported.

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When the NPC developed and implemented a resettlement program in collaboration with the Municipality of Masinloc, the Bank did not have an involuntary resettlement policy yet. This has resulted to several issues that the OEM recommended for immediate resolution. These were: (1) lack of drinkable water at the resettlement sites; (2) lack of job opportunities and reduces incomes for some of the displaced households; (3) delayed transfer of titles to affected families; and (4) disputes over compensation of amounts.

A 1999 Balik Kalikasan Online6 reported that the displaced Masinloc farmers benefited much from farming rice and mangoes before, enough to put their children through college. A provincial board member of Zambales was quoted as saying that the fruit yield dropped by 1/3 since the plant began operations. Many also grew a sustainable living from fishing. At present, their fish catch have become few and the bangus (milkfish) have disappeared. One fisherfolk said their catch has dwindled from 50 percent to only 10 percent. Meantime, a Barangay Bani officer said MTPP failed to provide jobs, at the same time damaged Oyon Bay. They no longer have income from seaweeds which have been gradually killed by the hot water coming from the coal-fired plant.