(Ganta, Nimba County, Sunday, February 9, 2025)– The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo has cautioned the Liberian government against relying on fossil fuels as part of the country’s energy solution. Instead, he urged leaders to embrace renewable energy sources, which he described as environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient.
Dr. Yarkpawolo made these remarks during the closing session of the Two-Day Energy Sector Coordination Retreat held at VP Koung’s Farm, Ganta, Nimba County. The retreat, which brought together top government officials, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, focused on developing short-term and long-term strategies to address Liberia’s energy challenges.
In his statement, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed gratitude to President Joseph Boakai for setting up a high-level committee to tackle Liberia’s energy crisis and commended the Vice President for organizing the retreat. He emphasized that the EPA stands ready to support all decisions made at the gathering, but he strongly warned against shifting towards fossil fuel-based solutions, citing their significant contribution to climate change.
“The EPA remains supportive of the decisions made here but cautions the government against moving towards fossil fuels, which are sources of greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to climate change,” he said.
Fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. While they have been widely used to generate electricity and power industries, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when burned, leading to global warming and environmental degradation.
He stressed that Liberia has access to various renewable energy sources that, if properly harnessed, could meet the country’s energy needs in the short, medium, and long term.
The EPA boss assured stakeholders that his agency remains committed to supporting the government in achieving sustainable development. He reiterated that any solution to Liberia’s energy problem should not only serve the current generation but also safeguard the future.
“The EPA will continue to support the government of Liberia and all stakeholders, including citizens and residents, to ensure that we have sustainable development that serves the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he stated.
The retreat featured extensive discussions on various energy options, with participants agreeing on the need to prioritize clean and renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power.
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