World · Philippines Bureau
Quezon priest calls for fresh DOE review of Atimonan coal plant
A Catholic priest and environmental advocate is pushing the Department of Energy to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the proposed 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant planned for Atimonan, Quezon, citing environmental concerns.
LSN Philippines ·
LUCENA CITY — Fr. Warren Puno, convenor of Quezon for Environment (QUEEN) and director of the Ministry of Ecology, has formally requested that the Department of Energy conduct a thorough review of the planned coal power facility slated for construction along Lamon Bay's coastline.
The proposed 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Atimonan has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and church officials concerned about its potential impact on the coastal community and marine ecosystem. Fr. Puno's intervention underscores growing opposition to the project from local stakeholders and religious organizations in the region.
The priest's appeal comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with balancing energy security needs against environmental protection. The DOE has not yet responded to requests for a formal reassessment of the project's environmental and social impact assessments.
Quezon for Environment, which Fr. Puno leads, has positioned itself as a watchdog for development projects affecting the province's natural resources and coastal areas. The group's push for a DOE review reflects broader concerns among environmental advocates about coal-fired power generation in the region.