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Linear "Constructive Discussions Based on the National Report" JR Tokai President


At a press conference on 16 November, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa said, "I hope we can have constructive discussions on environmental protection measures and monitoring based on the policies and contents presented in the report. He aims to deepen communication with Shizuoka Prefecture and Shizuoka City in order to start construction of the Shizuoka site as soon as possible.

The National Expert Panel entrusted its chairman, Professor Taishi Nakamura of Hokkaido University, with the task of writing the report. The report is expected to be published soon.

Info based on Transöated news from Nikkei: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 1C2000000/ Accessed 16 November 2023
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JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa at a press conference in Nagoya, Japan, 16 November 2011.
Photo: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 1C2000000/ Accessed 16 November 2023

【リニア】JR東海社長が静岡県をけん制　「有益な助言いただいた」　有識者会議を評価　県は報告書に反発
JR Tokai's president criticises Shizuoka prefecture: "We received useful advice"


At a press conference held on 16 January, JR Tokai President Niwa praised the fact that the national expert panel that discussed the environmental impact of the Linear Shinkansen construction project had effectively completed its discussions, saying: "We received objective and accurate discussions and many useful suggestions.

On the other hand, when asked how he would respond to the fact that the stage of discussion was being shifted to the prefectural government's technical committee, he said...

Shunsuke Niwa, President of JR Tokai Co:
Since the expert meeting has already held discussions with the members of the technical committee, we would like to have constructive discussions rather than repeating the same kind of discussions at the prefectural technical committee.

He also rebuffed Shizuoka Prefecture's opposition to the drafting of the report, which was left to the chairman, citing "inadequate discussions" at the national expert panel.

Info based on translated news from https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/616731 Accessed 2023-11-16

JR Tokai President: "We will follow the contents of the experts' report" on environmental preservation of the Shizuoka Linear Construction Zone

　At a regular press conference on November 16, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa stated, "Once the report is finalized, we will work on environmental conservation measures and monitoring, based on the report and in two-way communication with Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, and other related parties. "Once the report is finalized, we will work on environmental preservation measures and monitoring, while maintaining two-way communication with Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, and other concerned parties," he said.

Shizuoka Prefecture protested against the experts' meeting, claiming that the discussions were insufficient.

Info based: https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/ ... 3111700156 Accessed November 17, 2023

リニア建設　アセス法の不備を正せ
Maglev: Report: Maglev construction will have minimal impact?


　The expert panel of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on the Shizuoka section of the Central Shinkansen Linear Line will soon prepare a report evaluating JR Tokai's environmental protection measures, and will state that the construction will have minimal impact on the precious flora and fauna of the Southern Alps. It can be said that JR Tokai has cleared the "ecosystem" hurdle to start construction after the "water" issue, but Shizuoka Prefecture is opposed to the project. This is also related to the discussion on revising the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.
　In 2011, the Japanese government appointed JR as the operating and construction company and initiated procedures under the Environmental Impact Assessment Law. In October 2002, after receiving comments from local governments along the line and the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approved the start of construction.

　Even after approval, Shizuoka Prefecture was concerned about the large amount of water that would flow into the tunnel and continued discussions with JR. In 2009, an expert panel set up by the MLIT to break the deadlock approved JR's water measures, and TEPCO is now in the process of supplying water from the dam, so local understanding of the water issue is improving.

　The prefectural government has criticized this month's expert meeting, saying it did not fully discuss the issue. JR hopes to gain an understanding of the situation as soon as possible, but the prefectural government's argument has merit.

　In the environmental review process, the Environment Minister's opinion in June 2002 expressed such strong concerns that even experts pointed out that the project was "exceptional" in that "there is no end to the environmental impact, including the large amount of spring water, the soil generated, and the protection of rare plants and animals," and "even if we do our best to avoid or reduce the impact, a considerable environmental burden will still be generated.

However, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approved the start of construction only four months later. It was difficult to say that sufficient discussion had taken place.

　Since the Assessment Law was passed in 1997, climate change has become more serious and public awareness of the environment has changed dramatically. It was also pointed out that the Minister of the Environment does not have the authority to issue permits and approvals, although the main purpose of the law is to protect the environment. The "decarbonization" perspective is also insufficient, and it is time to discuss a review of the law. When the linear line is put into operation, the peak power consumption will be 270,000 kW, which is about 1% of Chubu Electric Power's supply capacity. If it is in line with the demands of the times and the law, the use of renewable energy should be considered.

Info based on translated news from https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/811105?rct=editorial Accessed: November 22, 2023