Legislature to Review Air Pollution Act: Cho Jung-tai Urges Focus on National Integrity
As Taiwan's legislature prepares to review the Air Pollution Control Act, industries are raising alarms about power supply stability. Premier Cho Jung-tai has called for a balanced approach that considers national interest.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 15:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 16:02 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 17:04 (1h 2m after Collected)
DPP Legislator Shen Fa-hui questioned the government today, noting that the Legislative Yuan will review amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act on the 29th. The industry has expressed high concerns that the bill could impact industrial development and energy allocation. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded that he hopes the ruling and opposition parties will prioritize the nation's overall integrity during discussions and will instruct ministries to strengthen communication.
Regarding the review by the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated on the 27th that the amendment could undermine domestic power supply and supply chain resilience. It would affect approximately 8,000 operators holding fixed pollution source permits. The MOEA urged maintaining the current system to avoid increasing operational uncertainty for enterprises.
During the interpellation, Shen mentioned that the opposition's proposed changes include shortening the validity of air pollution permits and authorizing local governments to ban specific fuels. Industry associations, including the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI), have voiced strong opposition. Shen emphasized that the issue is not just for the Ministry of Environment but involves major industries like semiconductors, steel, petrochemicals, and textiles, affecting national energy and power configurations.
Cho Jung-tai noted that if power plants cannot generate electricity, factories cannot operate, causing fear in the industry. He expressed hope that local government powers would not be expanded to the point where standards vary by region, making central law enforcement difficult and leaving industries unable to adapt. Separately, KMT Legislator Liao Hsien-hsiang raised issues about odd-lot trading. FSC Chairman Peng Jin-lung said the commission is open to optimizing the system to ensure fairness for all investors, including adjusting odd-lot trading times to match regular lot trading.
Regarding the review by the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated on the 27th that the amendment could undermine domestic power supply and supply chain resilience. It would affect approximately 8,000 operators holding fixed pollution source permits. The MOEA urged maintaining the current system to avoid increasing operational uncertainty for enterprises.
During the interpellation, Shen mentioned that the opposition's proposed changes include shortening the validity of air pollution permits and authorizing local governments to ban specific fuels. Industry associations, including the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI), have voiced strong opposition. Shen emphasized that the issue is not just for the Ministry of Environment but involves major industries like semiconductors, steel, petrochemicals, and textiles, affecting national energy and power configurations.
Cho Jung-tai noted that if power plants cannot generate electricity, factories cannot operate, causing fear in the industry. He expressed hope that local government powers would not be expanded to the point where standards vary by region, making central law enforcement difficult and leaving industries unable to adapt. Separately, KMT Legislator Liao Hsien-hsiang raised issues about odd-lot trading. FSC Chairman Peng Jin-lung said the commission is open to optimizing the system to ensure fairness for all investors, including adjusting odd-lot trading times to match regular lot trading.