South African court dismisses appeal over planned coal-fired power plants
The South African Supreme Court of Appeal recently dismissed the government’s appeal against a ruling that struck down plans for 1,500 megawatts of new coal-fired power. The so-called #CancelCoal case was brought by a coalition of environmental NGOs that argued the new planned coal capacity violates children’s constitutional rights to a healthy environment. Already, air […]
The South African Supreme Court of Appeal has rejected the government's appeal against a ruling that blocked plans for an additional 1,500 megawatts of coal-fired power plants. The case, known as #CancelCoal, was initiated by a group of environmental organizations who contended that the new coal capacity breaches children's constitutional rights to a clean environment.
According to the Centre for Environmental Rights, coal-related air pollution currently claims over 2,200 lives annually in South Africa and contributes to numerous cases of bronchitis and asthma. The Minister of Electricity and Energy contended that the extra coal capacity is essential for ensuring energy security. However, a previous High Court verdict deemed the plan unlawful as it infringes upon the right to a healthy environment.
Michelle Sithole, a senior associate at the Centre for Environmental Rights, noted that the High Court found the government's arguments regarding coal's role in grid stability insufficient to override constitutional rights. The Minister of Electricity and Energy subsequently appealed the High Court's decision. The Court of Appeal's recent ruling upholds the earlier High Court decision, indicating that the government bears a greater responsibility to justify its preference for coal in the energy security policy. This development on Mongabay.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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