TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environmental groups urged Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (環境部) and Kaohsiung City Government Wednesday (Nov. 26) to approve stricter air pollution standards for the steel industry. Citizen of the Earth, Taiwan (地球公民基金會) said the standards would improve air quality in Kaohsiung City and neighboring Pingtung County, both in southern Taiwan. Multiple local organizations joined the joint statement demanding swift action.
The proposed emission standards underwent six public hearings and consultations since 2020, involving industry stakeholders and environmental advocates. Kaohsiung City Government submitted the draft proposal Dec. 12, 2024, but the Ministry of Environment has not approved it since an August consultative meeting. The ministry cited technical feasibility and regulatory issues, requesting further deliberation from the city government before final approval.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) expressed concern about steel industry pollution upon taking office in 2020 and obtained international carbon neutrality certification in 2024. His administration plans to resubmit the proposal to the Ministry of Environment in December. The city's Environmental Protection Bureau (環保局) met with China Steel Corporation (中鋼) and five electric arc furnace operators Oct. 29 to discuss the standards.
The Environmental Protection Bureau plans to strengthen inspections and provide guidance for ongoing steel industry improvements and compliance monitoring. The bureau established the "Industrial Net Zero Alliance" (產業淨零大聯盟) in 2022 to encourage steel manufacturers to set carbon reduction targets and develop voluntary reduction plans. Currently, 14 steel manufacturers have passed initial review meetings, while others undergo continuous evaluation for emission standards compliance. ◼