CNFI Worries Air Pollution Act Amendment May Impact Industry, Calls for Maintaining Current Mechanism
The Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) expressed deep concern today over the proposed amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act, warning that expanding local government discretion could increase operational uncertainty and threaten energy stability.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 12:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 13:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 01:32 (12h 30m after Collected)
Taipei, April 24 (CNA) — In response to the upcoming review of the Air Pollution Control Act amendment bill by the Legislative Yuan, the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) stated today that the industrial sector is highly concerned about the potential expansion of local discretion, which could increase operational uncertainty and impact energy supply and industrial operations. CNFI urged for the maintenance of the existing management mechanism and cautioned against hasty legislative changes.
In a press release, CNFI pointed out that amendment drafts proposed by KMT Legislator Luo Ting-wei and the TPP caucus are scheduled for discussion by the Health, Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee on the 29th. The industrial sector fears irreversible damage from these changes. After gathering opinions from various industrial associations, CNFI strongly called for maintaining the current mechanism.
Regarding the proposal to amend Articles 27, 28, and 30, CNFI noted that the revised Article 27 would authorize local governments to require improvements in pollutant totals and concentrations. This could lead to inconsistent standards across regions and violate the principle of protection of legitimate expectations, increasing business risks.
On Article 28, CNFI mentioned that while current rules regulate fuel components, the amendment would allow local governments to prohibit or restrict the use of coal and oil, potentially limiting power plants and industrial boilers, thereby affecting national energy stability.
As for Article 30, CNFI stated that the current system allows for permit extensions based on stable processes. The amendment’s proposal to shorten extension periods in "Level 3 control zones" could significantly impact power plants and high-tech industries in western Taiwan, increasing administrative burdens and the risk of forced shutdowns if reviews are delayed.
CNFI emphasized that the current system already balances pollution control with stable operations. Reducing extension years and expanding amendment clauses could lead to disputes and affect the investment environment. Amid rising international trade and geopolitical risks, CNFI urged the government to evaluate the impact carefully and prioritize institutional stability.
In a press release, CNFI pointed out that amendment drafts proposed by KMT Legislator Luo Ting-wei and the TPP caucus are scheduled for discussion by the Health, Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee on the 29th. The industrial sector fears irreversible damage from these changes. After gathering opinions from various industrial associations, CNFI strongly called for maintaining the current mechanism.
Regarding the proposal to amend Articles 27, 28, and 30, CNFI noted that the revised Article 27 would authorize local governments to require improvements in pollutant totals and concentrations. This could lead to inconsistent standards across regions and violate the principle of protection of legitimate expectations, increasing business risks.
On Article 28, CNFI mentioned that while current rules regulate fuel components, the amendment would allow local governments to prohibit or restrict the use of coal and oil, potentially limiting power plants and industrial boilers, thereby affecting national energy stability.
As for Article 30, CNFI stated that the current system allows for permit extensions based on stable processes. The amendment’s proposal to shorten extension periods in "Level 3 control zones" could significantly impact power plants and high-tech industries in western Taiwan, increasing administrative burdens and the risk of forced shutdowns if reviews are delayed.
CNFI emphasized that the current system already balances pollution control with stable operations. Reducing extension years and expanding amendment clauses could lead to disputes and affect the investment environment. Amid rising international trade and geopolitical risks, CNFI urged the government to evaluate the impact carefully and prioritize institutional stability.