People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jong-bae said on the 20th that a bill to amend the Electric Utility Act passed the National Assembly plenary session. The bill was introduced by Lee as the lead sponsor.
Under current law, when establishing the basic plan for power supply and demand, it only has to include matters related to the basic direction of power supply and demand, long-term outlook, and demand management. There was a lack of legal grounds to review in advance the impact of power supply and demand on the atmospheric environment.
The amendment Lee proposed requires the basic plan for power supply and demand to include "matters concerning the preliminary impact of the power supply and demand plan on the atmospheric environment." This effectively establishes an institutional foundation to review in advance the air pollution impacts that may occur in the power supply and demand process.
Lee said, "Along with a stable supply of electricity, a balanced energy policy that considers public health and the environment is necessary," and added, "We will continue to do our best to improve systems that enhance people's quality of life."