The National Infrastructures Committee has approved the construction of a new coal-fired power plant in Ashkelon, known as Project D in a 10:2 vote. The representatives of environmental organizations and the Ministry of Environmental Protection voted against the plan, on the grounds that the plant could pose serious health hazards.
Ministry of National Infrastructures director general Hezi Kugler told the committee that there was no alternative to building the power plant because it was the only way to meet the expected growth in electricity consumption, which is now increasing at over 4% a year. He said, "Although the Ministry of National Infrastructures is promoting an energy saving plan, even if it's implemented in full, it will regrettably not be enough to avoid construction of a power plant in Ashkelon."
The head of the Ministry of Health's public health division objected to the power station. He showed the committee global figures that demonstrate a 10% increase in air pollution caused by operation of coal-fired power plants. The National Infrastructures Committee nevertheless approved the power plant.
The Israel Union for Environmental Defense said in response that it would petition the High Court of Justice to overturn the decision. The organization said that the decision-making procedure was flawed and that the committee members were not presented with full information about the possible health hazards to local residents.
Other environmental organization and Ashkelon residents will also probably oppose the power plant. The Ashkelon municipality said that the government had decided to sacrifice the lives and health of the town's residents. The mayor added that he would consult with the heads of other local authorities in the area to fight the decision.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 16, 2008
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