He said it ignored the importance of calculating the capitalized costs of better environmental protection. To solve this problem, Chen said the government should concentrate on carrying out four basic operational principles. These would ensure sufficient information, public procedures, democratic participation and a rational tax regulation and compensation system. The central government should expand the right of all local administrations to join the policy making process of environmental protection. By this he meant conservation of the environment did not need to be at the expense of economic progress.
Economic development is just like an artery, while environmental protection is like a vein.
Therefore we need a Basic Law for Environmental Protection to regulate the rights and responsibilities of governmental organizations. To enhance his reformist image, Chen invited a group of children to join his press conference yesterday. This story has been viewed 736 times. The Taipei Times. All rights reserved.