In response to strong public protests against its petrochemical plant project in Changhua, the Kuokuang Tech Company has narrowed down the area of development in a revised version of the plan. But experts criticize the change as a "cosmetic move" that actually does nothing to reduce negative environmental impacts.

The development area of the Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology plant is shrunk by 28%.

But look at the content closely, the refinery amount remains the same, the amount of Aromatics even increases from 1.5 to 2.5 million tons.

Environmental groups criticize that nothing has changed in the plan.

Academician Chou Chang-houng and Chen Jien-ren spoke out against the development project, saying the government was just paltering with the public interests.

Scholars criticize that such important national development project, which would have a huge influence on people's lives and health was only decided by 21 Environmental Impact Assessment Committee members.

It is a violation of democratic principles and the project is nothing but a shame.

Local groups believe that even the company promises to shrink the area, it might be a disguise for the future expansion strategies.

So if the government wants to push forward the project with such attitude, environmentalists say they will fight to the very end.