Overview
- Japan’s Environment Ministry announced a cross-ministry liaison committee to examine how large-scale solar can coexist with regional environments and communities.
- The panel will include the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, the Forestry Agency and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, with division- and office‑level officials sharing nationwide cases and studying institutional measures.
- Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao said solar deployment is needed but construction that fails to achieve local coexistence should be curbed, pledging swift discussions in the new forum.
- Kushiro Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma met Asao on Sept. 19 to request national legislation that clearly empowers municipalities to regulate solar facility construction.
- Kushiro City Council passed an ordinance on Sept. 17 requiring prior consultation for projects of 10 kW or more and barring projects judged to significantly affect rare wildlife, following concerns and a case where forest-law violations forced a work stoppage.