Prime Minister Fischer intervenes in dispute over ČEZ coal-fired power plant

Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer held talks with Minister of the Environment Jan Dusík on Monday over a high profile decision on whether to approve plans for a new coal-fired power plant in the north-west of the country. Plans by state-controlled power company ČEZ for modernisation of the Prunéřov II plant have attracted submissions from a federation of Micronesian states highlighting its likely contribution to climate change and rising sea levels. Environmental groups at home have charged ČEZ with building the new facility on the cheap with outdated technology and higher pollution levels than needed.

Prime Minister Fischer pointed out on Monday that employers and employees both wanted construction to go ahead as soon as possible, adding that the ministry was beginning to have problems with the dossier. The ministry must give an environmental impact assessment on the new plant, including whether it employs the best available technology. A spokesman for the ministry said Mr. Dusík outlined its approach, adding that an announcement on the environmental assessment is not expected this week.