• Tomorrow, Monday 19th December 2016, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is expected to make its decision on the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) application for the “renewal and variation of the IPPC permit to include the operation of Delimara 1, Delimara 2a and 2b, Delimara 3 (conversion from HFO to Natural Gas), Delimara 4 CGGT and LNG Terminal”.

    The Kummissjoni Interdjoċesana Ambjent (KA) sadly notes that, once again, an issue of national importance, in this case the generation of electricity, is being turned into a political one. Whenever this occurs, the discussion is contaminated by partisan interests and the strength of an argument is appreciated not for its validity but by the political allegiance of its proponent. The KA feels that, for the benefit of the whole nation, facts have to be made clear to all – nothing should remain concealed but, on the other hand, things should not be blown out of proportion.

    The KA believes that nothwithstanding the undue pressure for the issue of the IPPC permit, so that the new deadline for the new power station’s start of operations is respected, the members of the ERA Board should freely and conscientiously address every argument, and respond serenely and truthfully to the issues raised in the public consultation stage and to others that may be raised during the public meeting. If ERA members still harbour doubts about the application, then such doubts should be sorted out prior to any decision. The ERA has a duty of care of the quality of life of all citizens, particularly of the people living in the area, and cannot delegate to the applicant of the permit the wholesale responsibility of anything that may go wrong in the future.

    In conclusion, the KA augurs that whatever is decided will help to improve everyone’s quality of life, and above all will contribute towards unity and not division in our country.