The Ministry of Environment promulgated amendments to specific provisions of the "Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities" (hereinafter referred to as the "Standards") and Appendices 1 and 2 of Article 3 on [January 16, 2025]. These revisions were undertaken following consultations with relevant agencies, aligning with amendments to associated regulations, and addressing issues encountered during practical implementation. The primary objective of the amendments is to enhance the management of solar photovoltaic installations, ensuring a balance between renewable energy development and environmental protection. Additionally, the amendments facilitate the development of small hydropower, geothermal power, and other renewable energy sources, while encouraging the research and development of emerging energy technologies. Key highlights of the amendments are as follows:

1. In alignment with the amendments to the Mining Act on June 21, 2023, adjustments have been made to the EIA requirements for mineral exploration and extraction activities.
2. Modifications have been introduced to the criteria exempting tree felling from EIAs. The term "artificial afforestation on flatland" is replaced with "sustainably managed plantation forests designated by the forestry authority."
3. New provisions exempt small hydropower projects from EIAs, provided the downstream water flow at the intake point is at least 2 cubic meters per second, tailwater is returned to the original surface water body post-generation, and the project is approved by the competent authority.
4. Solar photovoltaic installations located in environmentally sensitive areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, nature reserves, specific agricultural zones, and public afforestation areas, as well as installations on slopeland with a capacity exceeding 20 MW or covering more than 15 hectares, are now subject to EIA requirements.
5. Geothermal power projects located in certain environmentally sensitive areas must undergo EIAs if the installed capacity exceeds 10 MW and the development area exceeds 2 hectares. For projects in general areas, the EIA threshold is raised to 50 MW.
6. Indoor substations located at least 50 meters away from the boundaries of elementary and junior high schools, as well as hospitals, are exempt from EIAs.
7. Experimental projects approved by the competent authority are exempt from EIAs.
8. Projects involving the construction of columbariums at altitudes above 1,500 meters, adopting small-scale niche wall designs, and approved by the indigenous peoples' authority and the competent authority, are exempt from EIAs.

In response to the aforementioned amendments to the "Standards," and recognizing the regional nature and shared environmental characteristics of certain small and medium-sized development activities, corresponding revisions to the Enforcement Rules of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act have been introduced. These revisions redefine the EIA review and oversight responsibilities for small hydropower plants, fishing ports, and other development activities, ensuring that environmental protection aligns with local development. The jurisdictional adjustments will take effect on July 1, 2025.

For further information on the regulatory amendments, please refer to the Ministry of Environment’s News Section (https://enews.moenv.gov.tw/enews/) or download the official documents from the Executive Yuan Gazette Online (https://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/) three days after the announcement date.