Environment Minister Jose Herrera said that the process for the decision of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control application, which includes the operation of the gas power station and the LNG tanker “is in full respect of the law”.
In comments to The Malta Independent, Dr Herrera said:
“Here we are speaking about a conversion from oil to gas in electricity generation which means cheaper bills and cleaner air, and therefore a quantum leap in people's quality of life, as clearly committed in Government's energy roadmap.
“The procedure for the IPPC permit was led by Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) in full respect of the law. The Authority's Board Members should now be left to take the decision without any undue pressure, in a prudent, independent and objective manner, and based on accurate studies.
“The ERA is an independent and autonomous Authority and hence the collective decision of the board members should be respected for the benefit of the country and its people.”
The ERA yesterday decided on whether to grant the new gas power station and the LNG tanker an operational permit, a rubber stamp for both to be functional and fully operational.
Yesterday’s public consultation was met with heavy criticism by those opposing the LNG tanker. The reasons behind such criticism were included in questions sent to the Ministry, which are as follows:
“The public was informed of the second public consultation (mid-November) relating to the LNG tanker three days before it took place. Why was there such a short notification period?
“Why were the responses to the questions raised in the public consultation published so close to Monday's meeting, on Thursday?
“The public therefore had three days to assess the responses, in the form of a 71 page document, and come back with further comment on Monday, the weekend before Christmas. Do you feel that this is conducive towards a fair, just and transparent process? Critics have said that this has been done in order for the overall process to be rushed and not allow people enough time to properly inform themselves. What is your response to this?”
While not responding to each individual question separately, Minister Herrera stressed that the fact that we are talking about a move from Heavy Fuel Oil, known for creating pollution, to gas, a cleaner option, is a “quantum leap” forward.
Many individuals, through public forums such as social media, questioned this final public consultation and whether it was very likely for the ERA to reject the application once the tanker is already berthed at Marsaxlokk.