Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2022 November 2 - 8 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Yokosuka citizens launch signature drive calling for planned operation of coal-fired thermal power plant to be cancelled

A Yokosuka citizens’ group on November 5 launched a signature campaign urging the city assembly to pass a resolution to prevent a coal-fired thermal power plant, which is now under construction in the city, from starting operations.

The group held a kick-off rally near Yokosuka-chuo Station. In the rally, participants in turn said, “The ongoing climate crisis threatens to humanity and all other life on Earth," and “We believe signatures on our petition will force a change in the city government policy,” asking passersby for their cooperation in the signature drive.

Japanese Communist Party city assemblyperson Negishi Kazuko delivered a speech in solidarity and expressed her determination to make utmost efforts to adopt a resolution in collaboration with other political parties.

The group’s co-head Suzuki Rikuo said that as the Yokosuka city government declared that it aims to realize a zero-carbon city, it should give up on its plan to bring the coal-fired power plant into operation.

A resident in his 40s who moved from Chiba to Yokosuka signed the petition and said, “In Chiba City, local opposition successfully blocked the city authority’s move to support coal-fired thermal power generation. I hope the same thing will happen here.”

Another resident in her 30s who signed the petition said, “I began to develop environmental awareness after I had my baby. I worry about my child’s future.”

The group plans to collect 50,000 signatures by the end of January 2023.