The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated at the Legislative Assembly in Horta that the Regional Government "is strongly committed" to matter pertaining to the fight against disposable plastics.
 
In this regard, Marta Guerreiro recalled the Resolution issued by the Council of the Government in December that came into force on January 1. It approved the guidelines and respective measures aimed at reducing the production of waste, namely plastics, and promoting reuse and recycling practices by regional public services.
 
In the first phase, these measures will cover the entities and services of the direct autonomous regional administration, except the social, education and health sectors. They are required to present within six months a plan for the achievement of these goals, taking into consideration the contingencies of their activities.
 
"These plans are being prepared so that they may be implemented through specific actions," the Secretary for the Environment assured, explaining that they "are presented to the respective departments."
 
Regarding PEPGRA - Strategic Waste Prevent and Management Plan of the Azores, Marta Guerreiro stated that there are scheduled interim evaluations: one was carried out in 2017 and another one is scheduled for 2020, which "will precede its revision in 2021." Additionally, there is a planned "post-PEPGRA evaluation in 2022 in compliance with the stipulated schedule of the programme."
 
Marta Guerreiro noted that "the Azorean Government guides its activity and its positions according to the interest of the Azoreans."
 
As for the legal document approving the Energy Efficiency Programme in the Public Administration, the Regional Secretary emphasised that the proposal presented by the Socialist Party is in line the Government's policies. Nevertheless, it does not invalidate the fact that "some of the actions foreseen in the programme are already being developed, namely the training courses for Local Energy Managers."
 
The Secretary for Energy also pointed out that Local Energy Mangers received training in 2018 and they are now testing the ECO.AP electronic platform in face of the specific developments for the Region. Currently, a number of actions are being carried out to improve energy efficiency in public buildings that "require special attention on our part." In this context, recently approved document at the Legislative Assembly is crucial for the coordination of measures and actions.