132120107_title1n.jpg (Photo : xinhuanet.com)
In an effort to address its worsening air pollution problem, the city government of Beijing has released its newest policy that will not allow oil refineries, thermal power, steel and cement plants to be constructed in the city.
Even the further development of current projects is included in the ban. The policy which appeared on the official website of the city (www.bjrd.gov.cn) will be implemented starting March.
The policy which has passed the approval of the city's legislature last week also targets to reduce the city's total gas emission which is now at PM 2.5 by 5 percent during the current year. Beijing was wrapped in harmful smog for weeks this month, causing the city government to commit to tougher strategies to upgrade the quality of air across the nation. The steps stated in the newly released policy make up part of the city's initiative to achieve the anti-pollution scheme that the central government has formulated in September.
The scheme included the reduction of coal consumption and the closure of industrial facilities that are outmoded. The newly released policy likewise stated that efforts will be put in controlling the volume of vehicles on the city's streets and areas where a total restriction of the use of coal and other fuels that contribute highly to air pollution will also be identified. Companies that do not utilize technology to control emissions, or fail to reach set pollution criteria may be required to pay fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($82,600) and risk losing their emission permits for next year.
Earlier in January, Zhou Shengxian, China's environment minister said that China is studying the possibility of setting up a system of trading of pollution permits all over the country as a measure to create a market system geared toward achieving a cleaner environment.
