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<p>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia today proudly hosted a delegation from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) at its headquarters in Mamba Point, Monrovia.</p>
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<p>The meeting was attended by members of the MCC and MFDP teams, along with several senior management staff of the EPA. The engagement was presided over by the Acting Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Mr. Anthony Kollie.</p>
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<p>The visit provided an opportunity for the MCC and MFDP officials to directly engage with EPA management on key environmental issues, particularly in relation to the recently secured MCC Compact for Liberia, which prioritizes strategic investments in energy generation, transmission, and distribution.</p>
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<p>During the meeting, EPA officials briefed the delegation on environmental and social safeguards, compliance requirements, and policy alignment for MCC Compact-funded projects. Discussions highlighted the EPA’s regulatory role in ensuring that all energy projects comply with national laws, MCC Environmental and Social Performance Framework (ESPF) standards, and international best practices.</p>
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<p>The briefing also covered the importance of early-stage environmental and social screening, mandatory Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and ongoing compliance monitoring throughout construction and operation phases.</p>
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<p>EPA officials emphasized the role of gender considerations and social inclusion in project planning, ensuring that MCC-supported projects benefit women, children, and other vulnerable groups while promoting sustainable and equitable development. The delegation was advised on the EPA’s legal authority to issue permits, conduct inspections, enforce mitigation measures, and take corrective action for any non-compliance.</p>
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<p>The MCC team expressed interest in understanding how Liberia applies safeguards to renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, and how the EPA coordinates with other line ministries to integrate environmental protection, climate resilience, and gender considerations into national development projects.</p>
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