TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) advocated on Monday (Oct. 14) for at least 80% of carbon fees to remain local, supporting pollution reduction, environmental infrastructure, and public health. The Taichung City Council discussed the central government's plan to impose carbon fees next year, sparking concerns among council members.
The Economic Development Bureau of the Taichung City Government (臺中市政府經濟發展局) estimates the Taichung Power Plant (台中火力電廠) would pay NT$1.5 billion annually in carbon fees.
Councilor Yang Ta-hung (楊大鋐) urged the Taichung City Council to set a precedent for Taiwan's 22 counties by demanding local compensation, preventing only the central government from benefiting while local areas suffer pollution. Councilor Chang Ching-fen (張瀞分) suggested following the air pollution fee model, where 60% is returned to regional areas, to protect citizens' rights.
Chang Feng-yuan (張峯源), director of the Economic Development Bureau, highlighted that the Taichung Power Plant uses over 40% of the coal consumed by Taiwan Power Company nationwide, justifying local compensation. Director of the Environmental Protection Bureau Chen Hung-yi (陳宏益) has already appealed to the central government for a fair distribution of carbon fees, suggesting it be handled similarly to air pollution legislation.