Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young: "Local Government Energy Policy Success Model Should Expand to National Policy"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kang Han-seo] Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young proposed on the 27th, "Let us realize energy decentralization, nurture successful energy policy models of local governments, and expand them into national policies."

Mayor Yom stated at the opening remarks of the "2nd National Forum on Regional Energy Transition" held at Seo Ui-pil Hall of Hannam University in Daejeon that "the central government, metropolitan governments, and local governments should establish energy policy networks and consultative bodies," and predicted that "local energy centers will greatly contribute to building an 'energy governance' system."

He continued, "We must make ending fossil fuel and nuclear power generation energy a task of our era," and said, "Local energy centers will play a major role in achieving the government's goal of expanding the proportion of renewable energy generation to 20% by 2030."

The forum was jointly hosted by the Local Government Council for Energy Policy Transformation (chaired by Mayor Yom Tae-young), the Korea Energy Agency, the National Network for Regional Energy Transition, and the office of National Assembly member Kim Seong-hwan (Democratic Party). At the forum, the government, local governments, and civil society explored ways to build an energy governance system.

The forum, held under the theme "Energy Transition, Cooperation in Regions," proceeded with opening remarks by Mayor Yom Tae-young, keynote speeches on "Response to Fine Dust and Energy Transition" (Ahn Byung-ok, Chair of the National Climate Council Operating Committee) and "Energy Decentralization and Regional Challenges" (National Assembly Member Kim Seong-hwan), followed by topic presentations and discussions.

Meanwhile, Mayor Yom Tae-young was elected as chairman at the launch ceremony of the second term of the "Local Government Council for Energy Policy Transformation" held in January last year. The Local Government Council for Energy Policy Transformation, founded in December 2016, aims to transition the establishment and implementation of energy policies from the national to the local level through exchange and cooperation among local government entities.