Four Environmental NGOs, Ramblers' Association, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Nature Trust (Malta) and Friends of the Earth (Malta) have expressed concern that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been 'hindered' from discussing the Auditor General's report on the extension of the power station, with the meeting having yesterday been adjourned sine die.

The NGOs said they were calling on the Speaker, who has been called to give a ruling, not to revoke the opportunity that the PAC scrutinises the choice of fuel for the extension and its real influence on the overall unit cost of electricity, with a view to minimising air pollution.

"The ENGOs consider that even the Hon Speaker is morally obliged to do everything within his power to protect public health and the state of the environment, and (he) would do well to allow the PAC to endorse all mitigating measures possible that curtail air pollution.

"Government may be under pressure to comply with EU deadlines, but the eNGOs consider that deadlines can still be met while safeguarding public health and a safe environment, which are far more important than political and economic considerations," the NGOs said.