National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee Adopts Han Hwajin Confirmation Report... What Are the Future Tasks?

Han Hwa-jin, nominee for Minister of Environment, attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and took the witness oath. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] As the parliamentary confirmation report for Han Hwajin, the nominee for Minister of Environment, has been adopted, key future tasks for the nominee include establishing measures to compensate victims of humidifier disinfectants and readjusting the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for greenhouse gas reduction.

On the 3rd, the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee held a plenary session and adopted the confirmation report for nominee Han.

Although ruling and opposition party members evaluated nominee Han differently regarding qualifications and morality through the confirmation hearing held the previous day, they agreed to adopt the report without difficulty.

However, since clear answers regarding compensation measures for humidifier disinfectant victims were not provided during the hearing, there are calls for improvements going forward.

Earlier, Yoon Junbyung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out at the hearing that "Nominee Han consistently responded passively and in a general manner, saying 'It is difficult to answer now' regarding compensation measures for humidifier disinfectant victims."

Readjusting the NDC reduction pathway is also a major task. The Moon Jae-in administration announced an enhanced NDC last December, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030. Meanwhile, the new government is considering utilizing nuclear power as an eco-friendly fuel.

Nominee Han stated, "Regarding greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear power is classified as green (eco-friendly)," emphasizing that "the expansion of nuclear power and renewable energy should be harmonized."

He added, "The 40% NDC target is very challenging considering domestic conditions," and said, "While we must comply with the commitments made to the international community, wise measures are needed for implementation."

On the same day, Park Daechul, chair of the Environment and Labor Committee, confirmed there were no objections to adopting the report and declared its approval. According to the Confirmation Hearing Act, once the committee chair reports the confirmation report to the plenary session, the Speaker of the National Assembly must forward it to the President or President-elect.

An official from the Ministry of Environment said, "The Ministry faces major tasks such as compensation for humidifier disinfectant victims, fine dust management measures, and reorganizing the share of renewable energy and nuclear power," adding, "We expect nominee Han to prioritize these issues and organize a detailed roadmap."