Ministry of Environment Establishes Minister-Direct 'Environmental Reform Task Force'

Task 1 is Contribution Innovation

Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, is presiding over the kickoff meeting of the Environmental Reform TF on the afternoon of the 29th at the Hangang Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. (Photo by Ministry of Environment)

On the 29th, the Ministry of Environment announced the establishment of a dedicated 'Environmental Reform Task Force (TF)' and held its first planning meeting chaired by Minister Han Hwa-jin at the Hangang Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

The task force was newly created this year to proactively identify improvements in environmental policies and address environmental issues in line with the national agenda of a "Warm Government, Action-oriented Government."

Operated directly under the minister with the Policy Planning Officer of the Ministry of Environment as the team leader, the task force will identify reform tasks such as regulatory improvements, elimination of inter-ministerial barriers, and enhancing public experience, while providing integrated support from implementation monitoring to spreading achievements.

In particular, for each reform task, the task force plans to gather diverse opinions through a horizontal and open meeting body composed of internal staff ranging from department and bureau heads to clerks, as well as external experts.

The task force identified the easing of various charges as its first reform task. Charges imposed by the Ministry of Environment include the Environmental Improvement Charge levied on old diesel vehicles that emit air pollutants, and the Waste Charge imposed on companies handling products, materials, and containers that are difficult to recycle and cause problems in waste management.

The Ministry of Environment plans to closely review whether each charge is being operated according to its purpose and whether it reflects changes since the introduction of the charges. Under the polluter pays principle, the ministry intends to gather opinions from stakeholders and experts to eliminate habitual administration and enhance the effectiveness of the system.

Minister Han expressed expectations, saying, "The task force will play a role in not only achieving reform tasks but also boldly changing the habitual work methods and mindsets hidden within the public service."

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