AIR QUALITY
Initiatives
Chengdu: Enhance floating dust control
May 2, 2008
Chengdu held an on-site meeting to control floating dust. It is required that all 20 regions, including districts and counties should emphasize floating dust control. Measures include enhancing floating dust management in construction sites, pushing forward barren land coverage, road solidification, and enhance management to sand-transportation vehicles.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200805/t20080504_585584.html
MEP is making Vehicle Inside Air Pollutant Restriction Standard
May 4, 2008
To prevent Inside-vehicle air pollution, Ministry of Environment is making a new pollutant restriction standard for vehicle-inside air pollution. MEP has recently launched the new restriction and measuring methods for vehicle waste gas pollution in vehicle ignite engines and special-used ignite engines.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24370
ENERGY
Initiatives
Biomass power plant settles in Changchun
April 28, 2008
Huaneng Changchun Biomass Power Plant, Huaneng's first biomass power plant, settled in Changchun, Jilin province on April 26, 2008. Expected to be operational by August 2009, the plant has an installed capacity of 50,000 kw and has received a total investment of 300 million yuan ($42.84 million). It is designed to generate as much as 180 million kwh of electricity annually after its completion.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/28/content_6649055.htm
Qinghai: Enhance monitoring to key energy-consuming enterprises
May 2, 2008
To finish the 11th Five-Year-Plan on energy saving, Qinghai will hold special inspection to 123 key energy-consuming enterprises, including document inspection on 87 enterprises, on-site inspection to 36 enterprises. The energy inspection to key enterprises was regularly since the beginning of 11th FYP. Compared to the past inspections, this year's new inspection increased some new aspects, like compiling new regulations for new, reconstructed, expanded projects, and energy-saving assessment.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200805/t20080504_585586.html
ADB supports energy-efficient projects in China
May 4, 2008
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending over $114 million in a partial credit guarantee program to support energy-efficient projects in China. The pilot program, which is the ADB's first credit guarantee to mobilize commercial financing in China, will initially target energy efficiency projects for buildings in southern and eastern China, the more industrialized part of the country.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-05/04/content_6659118.htm
Sino-Italian Renewable Energy Cooperative Program Launched in Sichuan
May 4, 2008
Sino-Italian Renewable Energy Cooperative Program launched a pilot research project on Jatropha curcas biomass in Sichuan. The project aims to promote biomass diesel research and industrialization using Jatropha curcas.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24379
TRANSPORT
Facts
China imports more motor vehicles in first two months
May 2, 2008
China's motor vehicle imports soared sharply on strong demand at home in the first two months of this year, sources with the General Administration of Customs said on Friday. From January to February, China imported 62,000 motor vehicles for $2.26 billion, up 82.6 percent and 93.4 percent, respectively, on the same period of last year. The growth rates were 63.9 percentage points and 80.8 percentage points higher, respectively.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-05/02/content_6657317.htm
Regulations & Measures
Urumqi to finish waste gas inspection of all 60,000 vehicles
May 4, 2008
During a recent interview on relevant officers from Urumqi EPB, it is revealed that 60,000 vehicles will finish waste gas inspection in 2008. Those vehicles will be labeled with green and yellow signals. Yellow labeled vehicles will be restricted to access to certain areas. The detailed inspection standards will come out.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24389
Initiatives
National Energy Bureau appreciates energy-saving vehicles for national energy safety
April 30, 2008
On the recent International Advanced Diesel Vehicle Technological Strategy Discussion Meeting in 2008, relevant officers from National Energy Bureaus highly appreciated the role of energy-saving vehicles to guarantee national energy safety.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24354
Guangdong to adopt national III oil through 4 stages
May 4, 2008
Guangdong will promote national III diesel fuel from May 1st on. The whole province will use national III oil by July 1st after 4 stages' efforts. It was regulated in the Vehicle Waste Gas Prevention & Implementation Plan that Guangdong province would adopt national III fuel in the whole nation scale in 2008. In the first stage, Guangzhou will promote national III fuel from May 1st on. In the second stage, 5 cities will promote fuels sales in 5 cities, including Dongguan, Huizhou, Foshan, Zhuhai and Zhongshan. From January 1st 2009, another 9 cities will promote the new fuel standard. From July 1st 2009, all fuel stations will sell national III fuel.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24373
Tianjin: 350 buses and taxies switch to natural gas
May 5, 2008
There have been 350 buses and taxies switching to natural gas in Tianjin in 2008. 7 public bus transportation lines will be Green Energy Lines. This will a new initiate to reduce urban air pollution. Certain award will be given to those pioneer buses. Tianjin Gas Group will award 2000 fro the first 1000 taxies switching to natural gas and using natural gas more than 3600 cubic meters this year
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24392
Liaoning: natural gas vehicles promoted in Chaoyang City
May 5, 2008
Transportation department in Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, held a natural gas promotion meeting on April 30th. Chaoyang is planning to build 4 natural gas stations. It is predicated that about 500 taxies will benefit from those new facilities. All 4 new gas stations will finish before 2010, and will serve needs from 3000 taxies and buses.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24390
OTHERS
Exporters confront rising environmental costs
May 1, 2008
China has conducted special campaigns against polluting companies since last year. And violators have lost more than just export opportunities: blacklisted firms find it difficult to get loans. The State Environmental Protection Administration, now the Ministry of Environmental Protection, along with the central bank and the Banking Regulatory Commission, jointly issued a "green loan" policy in July that banned loans to blacklisted companies.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-05/01/content_6656373.htm
Olympics Relevant
Conference hails Green Olympics
April 30, 2008
Officials from the United Nations and representatives from nongovernmental organizations from China and around the world gathered in Beijing on Monday to pay tribute to the concept of a "Green Olympics" that starts in 100 days. The China NGO Network for International Exchanges and the UN jointly staged the conference, which involved more than 80 Chinese NGOs. Representatives from nongovernmental organizations from North and South America, Europe and Africa also took part.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-04/30/content_6653222.htm
Qingdao: buses along the sea should meet Euro III emission standard
May 30, 2008
To improve air quality for Olympics, Qingdao drew out a special region requiring that vehicles in this region should meet Euro III emission standard. The center of the region is Olympic Sailing Base, and the region covers 6 kilometers surround the base.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24351#
Beijing: Crop straw burning banned in the city and surrounding areas
May 5, 2008
From the beginning of May to the end of September, crop straw burning will be banned in Beijing and surrounding areas, including Tianjin, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Liaoning etc. This new regulation is released by Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, to guarantee air quality during Olympics in Beijing. During the requiring banning period, Ministry of Environment will monitor the crop straw burning condition by satellite remote monitoring technologies.
Chinese link: http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-05-05/021513829040s.shtml
AIR QUALITY
Initiatives
Hebei: 726 major enterprises need to obtain a certificate for emission
April 22, 2008
Hebei Province recently held the first meeting by newly established energy saving and emission reduction leading group. It was concluded that Hebei Province will focus on 5 aspects to push forward energy saving and emission reduction, including adjusting industrial structure, enhancing pollution control of projects and key enterprises, pushing forward circular economy and institutional reform.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200804/t20080422_512683.html
Haiyang to launch daily report on the urban air quality
April 28, 2008
Haiyang city, a local city in Shandong province, announced to release daily report on urban air quality. Those air quality information will be revealed through TV every day. In August 2007, Haiyang invested around 810 thousand RMB, establishing 2 auto-monitoring facilities in the urban areas. This is an important progress for local cities in China to release daily air quality.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24281
ENERGY
Initiatives
China Energy Strategy and Environment Summit to be held
April 23, 2008
The Summit on Energy Strategy and Environment Protection in China will be held between April 26 and 27, covering energy saving, emission reduction and sustainable development. The summit is organized by Information Center of Development Research Center of Government Council. It is indicated that 45 key industrial enterprises will launch an advocacy to build energy-saving and environmental friendly enterprises.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200804/t20080423_575476.html
Guangxi's ethanol plan serves Hong Kong and Macau areas
April 23, 2008
In the middle of April, Guangxi has replaced gasoline by biomass ethanol, making Guangxi province becoming the first pilot province to produce biomass ethanol. It is revealed all those biomass ethanol will serve many south regions, including Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24212
HK to introduce tax cuts for green facilities
April 27, 2008
Hong Kong will soon introduce one-off and accelerated tax cuts for environment-friendly machinery and installations, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Saturday. A 100-percent deduction under profits tax will be provided in the year of purchase for the capital expenditure incurred on the provision of eligible machinery," a government spokesman said, referring to the tax cuts proposal.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/27/content_6646304.htm
Fujian: Industrialization of biomass diesel
April 28, 2008
Currently there are 6 biomass diesel producing enterprises with capacity larger than 10 thousand tons. The production capacity reached 300 thousand tons in 2007 with actual production capacity around 150 thousand tons. Fujian's special environment, economic and social condition provides great prospects of biomass diesel industrialization there.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24283
TRANSPORT
Facts
Beijing: 20% vehicles reached national III standard
April 25, 2008
Revealed by the Discussion Meeting of Vehicle Pollution in Metropolitan Cities, vehicle emission regulations will be at the same step with European cities by 2020. Beijing, as the most strict emission regulated city in the country, has accelerated the step to replace old vehicles. In all 3.08 billion vehicles, 20% has reached national III standard. From the beginning of 2009, Beijing will adopt National IV emission standard.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24253
Regulations & Measures
Guangzhou: black-smoking vehicles will the forbidden to enter
April 28, 2008
All public vehicles, including buses and taxies, will use clean energy by the end of 2008. In addition, from January 1st, 2009, vehicles from other regions will be restricted on travel time and travel scale in Guangzhou. This will be an important measure for Guangzhou Transportation industry to meet the energy-saving, pollution reduction goals.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24282#
Guangzhou: all diesel buses will the switched to LPG
April 28, 2008
Transport Administration Committee indicated that all urban buses in Guangzhou will use clean energy by the end of 2008. Empirical data proves that the maintenance cost of LPG buses is similar to that of diesel buses now. Currently there are still more than 1000 buses need to be switched from diesel buses to LPG buses.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24280
Initiatives
China in driver's seat for global green autos
April 22, 2008
China is a fast growing auto market that is still far from reaching its potential, granting the country powerful leverage in shaping the world's next generation of eco-friendly cars. The question of hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicles arises because the world's automakers are gathering this week for the Beijing Auto Show, an event that is growing in clout as the world's second largest auto market is set to be No 1 soon.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/22/content_6635290.htm
Lanzhou to eliminate trolley bus next month
April 28, 2008
Lanzhou will eliminate all 97 trolley buses in the city from May 6th on. 100 new gas-burned buses will be put into use. Those trolley buses were put into use from 1959. Lanzhou government decided to replace those buses, mainly because that they don't fit well with the general city planning. Local environmental organizations and several citizens criticized this policy, claiming that this disobeys the national idea of energy saving.
Chinese link: http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-04-28/011215439085.shtml
Qingdao: Environmental-friendly Bus Project passed
April 28, 2008
Qingdao launched the Environmental-friendly Bus Project, to improve the pollution condition of all buses and taxied in the city. On April 24, 2008, inspection on all buses and taxies finished. This projects aims to reduce emission from public vehicles, enhance environmental awareness on environment protection and get fully prepared for Green Olympics.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24276
OTHERS
Officials held responsible for environmental woes
April 23, 2008
China's supervision authorities have prosecuted 3,822 government officials from 2004 to 2007 for dereliction of duty causing damage to the natural environment and wasting energy resources. Prosecutors would start a campaign from May this year to November 2009 to crack down on environmental damage and energy resource waste caused by official dereliction of duty.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/23/content_6637954.htm
Ministry of Technology to invest 7 billion RMB on energy reduction and adaptation to climate change
April 24, 2008
Ministry of Science and Technology planned to devote 7 billion RMB from central fiscal system to energy reduction and adaptation to climate change. The investment covers many key scientific research aspects, including energy saving, new energy, circular economy, clean production and climate change etc.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080424_121589.htm
Taigang Steel, Camco reach carbon deal
Aprl 25, 2008
Camco Group has reached an agreement to buy 1 million tons of CO2 emissions from the world's largest stainless steel producer Taigang Stainless Steel Co by late 2009 under the clean development mechanism (CDM) project.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/25/content_6643683.htm
Planning regulation to be ready by year end
April 28, 2008
The Planning Environmental Impact Assessment regulation (EIA), whose draft is now available for comment, is likely to be officially released this year, a senior environmental official said on the weekend. The draft will then be submitted to relevant authorities for review before its eventual release by the State Council at the end of the year.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/28/content_6647727.htm
Climate change became a priority in international technological cooperation
April 28, 2008
Minister of Science and Technology, Wan Gang, indicated that China has signed 103 technological cooperation agreements with 97 countries, among which, climate change has became a priority and key field in bilateral technological cooperation. Climate change relevant technologies cover clean production mechanism, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, policy and capacity building and capture and storage of greenhouse gases.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24288
Olympics Relevant
Qingdao: Comprehensive measures to guarantee air quality during Olympic Sailing Games
April 24, 2008
Qingdao has adopted several measures to guarantee environment quality during Olympic Sailing Games. Those measures include promoting clean energy, such as biomass, wind, solar and ocean energy, promoting natural gas to facilitate 400 thousand livelihoods to use it. In addition, Qingdao will phase out small coal-fired boilers and enhance desulphurization of coal-fired boilers.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24231
Olympic traffic lanes to open in July
April 25, 2008
Beijing will rope off 264 km of traffic lanes in late July so that vehicles carrying athletes and other figures connected to the Olympic Games can move freely through the city and from venue to venue, The Beijing News reported this week. Vehicles will be able to travel at least 60 kph on these lanes, it said. They will operate around-the-clock for 63 days from July 25 to Sept 25.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-04/25/content_6644233.htm
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Guangzhou: Plants given sulfur deadline
April 18, 2008
Eight large factories here, including the Guangzhou branch of Sinopec and the Guangzhou Paper Group, have been ordered to finish installing anti-sulfur equipment by 2010. The requirement is included in an air pollution reduction scheme that will run through 2010, according to the government information office. The scheme aims to combat the presence of smog both to clean the city and to ensure the 2010 Asian Games take place in a clean environment.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/18/content_6626482.htm
Chengdu: air pollutants in urban areas become more delicate, with more harm to human being
April 21, 2008
Chengdu PM10 are mainly resulted from soil floating dust, vehicle emission, sulfate and coal-burning dusts, released as the result of one project. Relevant environment officers indicated that there are some obvious changes that should attract the attention of governmental officers and researchers. In 2007, the contribution of floating dust to air particulate pollution is 21.3%, 4% higher that in 2001. Small particulate in air pollutants increased obviously. Particulates smaller than PM2.5 increased by 18% from that of 2001.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24158
Initiatives
Shandong inspects provincial desulphurization facilities
April 17, 2008
North China sub agency of National Electric Supervision Committee, together with Shandong Environment Protection Bureau started inspection on 153 coal-burning power plants, to check the operation of desulphurization facilities in the province. From July 2007 to February 2008, Shandong EPB checked around 258 enterprises, with 167 reaching national SO2 emission standards at the rate of 64.73%.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200804/t20080417_275032.html
Henan province adopts veto voting in regions failing the pollution reduction targets
April 18, 2008
Henan province recently set the pollution reduction targets of year 2008, with 5.5% reduction of COD and 6.2% reduction of SO2. About 84 units should finish desulphurization rehabilitation. Regions failing the annual pollution reduction targets will adopt responsibility taken and veto voting systems.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080418_121347.htm
China taking concrete measures to curb energy pollution
April 19, 2008
China has been taking concrete measures to control pollution caused by energy consumption in recent years, and is seeing improvements, NDRC deputy chief Xie Zhenhua said on the sidelines of a conference held in Paris on energy safety and climate change. The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed the strengthening of China's ability to tackle climate change, and that the country contribute more to protect the global climate.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/19/content_6629406.htm
Hong Kong launches cleaner production scheme
April 19, 2008
Hong Kong launched a five-year cleaner production partnership scheme Friday, offering Hong Kong-owned factories in the Pearl River Delta funds to cut emissions and boost energy efficiency. The program covers four key initiatives, including awareness promotion, on-site improvement assessment, demonstration projects and verification of the effectiveness of improvement projects.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/19/content_6629410.htm
ENERGY
Regulations & Measures
Standard issued for methane
April 15, 2008
The country's first emission standard for coalbed methane will take effect in July, the newly created Ministry of Environmental Protection said yesterday in a statement. The standard makes it illegal for coalbed methane and other mine gases that comprise more than 30 percent CH4 to be discharged into the air.
English: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/15/content_6617096.htm
New energy consumption standards released
April 18, 2008
China released 46 national standards on energy consumption issues ranging from coal-fired power to household induction cookers Friday, as part of efforts to promote energy conservation throughout the country. China currently had 46 standards, including 37 newly formulated and nine revised standards, of which 36 were mandatory. Most of the standards will go into effect on June 1 and the others are scheduled to take effect sometime on or before November 1.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/18/content_6628137.htm
Initiatives
Fuel taxes set to be refunded
April 16, 2008
The government will refund value-added taxes on gasoline and diesel imported by the country's two largest oil companies in the second quarter, the Ministry of Finance has said. Analysts said the 17 percent tax refund is aimed at reducing the refining losses of the oil companies and increasing refined oil products supply in the domestic market to prevent a shortage.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/16/content_6620547.htm
China will push forward international cooperative plan on renewable energy
April 16, 2008
Ministry of Science and Technology, together with National Development and Reform Committee, will push forward international cooperation on renewable energy, released on the recent Energy, Renewable Energy International Cooperation Strategy Forum. Renewable energy international cooperation is expected to cover solar energy, biomass energy and biomass power generation, wind energy, hydro power etc.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080416_121216.htm
Guangxi promote un-crop ethanol fuels
April 21, 2008
Beihai and Guigang city in Guangxi Province will use ethanol fuels produced from certain local plants from February 15 on. The whole Guangxi Province will switch from common gasoline to non-crop ethanol fuels from the end of March.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24161
TRANSPORT
Initiatives
Electric vehicle an option for China
April 14, 2008
Figures showed that by 2006, China was home to approximately twenty-two million private motor vehicles. Around 6.4 million passenger cars were sold in 2007, with a further 2.5 million commercial vehicles, making a rise of 22 percent on the previous year. At this staggering rate of growth, the total fleet could increase more than ten-fold to 250 million by 2030. Electric vehicle might be an option for China, considering the example of Tianjin Qingyuan E-vehicle Ltd.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/14/content_6615475.htm
OTHERS
CSR guideline spurs sustainable development
April 14, 2008
The guidelines for CSR (corporate social responsibility) were released earlier this month, which urge industrial corporations and related institutions to shoulder social responsibilities to obtain sustainable development. The guidelines are issued by 11 national industrial federations and associations.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/14/content_6614860.htm
Heilongjiang Province established Environment Protection Department
April 15, 2008
After SEPA (State Environment Protection Administration) updates to MEP (Ministry of Environment Protection), the subordinate organizations start institutional reform as well. Heilongjiang Province has just changed Environment Protection Bureau to Environment Protection Department. This became the first environment protection department nationally.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/tpxw/200804/t20080417_274994.html
Wuhan Iron & Steel Ltd launched the first social responsibility report
April 16, 2008
Wuhan Iron & Steel Ltd. launched Social Responsibility Report 2007, covering three sections, including strategy and management, social responsibility, resource and environment. The state-owned-enterprise invested about 3.25 billion RMB on environment facilities in 2007. Key pollutants have been reduced obviously as a result.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080416_121241.htm
China likely to levy carbon tax
April 16, 2008
China is considering levying carbon tax to rein in the nation's greenhouse gas emission, said a researcher from the National Development and Reform Commission at a forum yesterday. The plan will follow the US and EU moves in introducing financial tools to mitigate climate change.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/16/content_6622023.htm
National Environment Monitoring Capacity Building Plan approved
April 16, 2008
To meet environment targets in 11th Five-Year-Plan, MEP compiled the 11th FYP on National Environment Monitoring Capacity Building. NDRC and Ministry of Finance have approved the plan in the recent past. According to the past, a sum of 14.959 billion RMB will be invested, including 7.847 billion RMB from central fiscal systems with 50 key environment projects.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200804/t20080416_273529.html
Environment Protection Summit to open
April 17, 2008
China Energy Strategy and Environmental Protection Summit, hosted by the State Council Development Research Center, would run in Beijing from April 26 to 27. It would address topics such as energy efficiency, emissions control and sustainable development. It is co-sponsored by 165 State-owned enterprises, 67 multinational companies and 45 financial institutes, including Sinopec, PetroChina and Siemens.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/17/content_6624628.htm
International Forum on Climate Change and Technological Innovation to be held
April 18, 2008
Ministry of Science and Technology together with several UN agencies will hold International Forum on Climate Change and Technological Innovation from April 24 to 25 in Beijing. The forum will cover a lot of issues in technological adaptation to climate change, including five sub-forums, like key scientific problems, climate change mitigation, impacts and adaptation to climate change, key technological and international scientific cooperation, financial and market mechanisms.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080418_121345.htm
Beijing EPB has finished all the preparatory work on environment information publish
April 18, 2008
It is indicated that Beijing EPB has finished all the preparatory work on environment information publish in the end of February. The system is trialed interiorly from March 1st. The new information publish system will be adopted in mid-April by Beijing EPB website.
Chinese link: http://www.bjepb.gov.cn/bjhb/tabid/68/InfoID/10384/frtid/40/Default.aspx
Regional Environment Strategy research goes smoothly
April 21, 2008
MEP recently held the regional environment macro strategy research meeting, with reports from 7 regional areas, including Jiangsu, Liaoning, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing and Shannxi. MEP is currently carrying out national environment macro strategy research, while those 7 areas were chosen as pilot regional environment macro strategy cases.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200804/t20080421_479156.html
Olympics Relevant
Green Commuting from July 20
April 16, 2008
Beijing will promote green commuting during July 20 to September 20. This is also included in the Air Quality Guarantee Measures during 2008 Olympics. Key measures cover vehicle management, outdoor spray prohibition and industrial boilers restriction. It revealed that after the Olympics, some measure will be maintained to improve environment in Beijing, including stricter vehicle fuel standard, green commuting advocacy etc.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24060
Beijing: Closure of factories will not hit economy
April 18, 2008
Beijing's economic growth this year will not be significantly affected by its plans to temporarily shut down factories, reduce their production, and limit the use of cars to improve air quality during the Olympic Games, an official said Thursday. Yu declined to give an estimate as to how much the shutdown from July 20 to September 20 will cost the industrial sector.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/18/content_6626549.htm
CAS to provide scientific support for Beijing Environment Protection
April 18, 2008
Beijing government and CAS (China Academy of Science) signed a joint framework agreement on environment protection in Beijing. CAS took the responsibility of air quality monitoring and test during the Good Luck Beijing Olympic Test Games in August 2007. CAS will continue support Beijing environment protection in the future, especially in environment monitoring and ecological environment protection.
Qingdao: air quality during Olympics will be 100% good
April 21, 2008
Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao city, indicated that air quality of Qingdao during Olympics will be guaranteed to be 100% good in August. In the past 6 year, Qingdao has adopted a lot measure to improve environment locally, including closing small boilers, adopting clean fuels and enhancing pollution control measures.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=24151
Air Quality Protection Measures during Olympics and Paralympics Games
Beijing EPB, Feb.14, 2008
Chinese link: www.gov.cn/zwgk/2008-04/14/content_944313.htm
Based on the 14th Air Pollution Control Measures, Beijing Municipal government will adopt several measures, lasting 2 months (from July 20th to September 20th), covering vehicle management, restriction on key industrial procedures and key polluting units, to guarantee good air quality.
The current measures include:
I. Enhance vehicle management, promote green commuting
More detailed information and implementation dates will be released in the future.
II. Stop parts of work on construction sites, enhance road cleaning
All construction units should stop earthwork projects and concrete mixing and placing projects on construction sites, and enhance land greening and barren land covering work. For those projects failing to finish the earthwork, and flood prevention work, they will not be approved by construction department to start.
Environment maintenance department will clean and spray the main avenue, sub-roads, other key roads and those roads servicing Olympics.
III. Key polluting enterprise suspended and restricted
All industrial enterprises in Beijing should emit at a qualified level. Those failing to meet the environmental emitting standards will be suspended. Capital Steel Ltd should adopt strict measures, to reduce emission. Beijing Oriental Chemical Ltd. should stop contemporary. All the cement manufactures, concrete mixing stations, rock mining companies should be suspended.
18 large enterprises and key construction material manufactures should restrict production, adjust operation styles, and enhance pollution control, to ensure emission reduced by 30% based on the environment qualified emission level. Beijing Yanshan Chemical should suspend 4 key producing units, 9 boilers, to ensure main pollution reduced by 30%.
IV. Pollution reduction in coal-fired units
4 coal-fired heat and power plants should use low-sulfur coals and enhance pollution control to guarantee emission reduced by 30%. All coal-fired boilers running in summer season should reach specific national emission standard.
V. Reduce organic gas emission
Gas stations, tanker trucks and oil depots will be closed if they haven't completed "oil vapor recovery" technical upgrades. Outdoor spray painting, construction spray painting containing vapor organic substance should be suspended. Printing, furniture producing and vehicle repair will be closed if they failed to meet national standard.
VI. Emergent pollution control measure in extreme atmospheric condition
If any extreme atmospheric condition happens, besides those measures above, relevant departments should adopt emergence pollution control measures to control pollution.
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Annual conference of Boao Forum opens, focusing on Green Asia
April 12, 2008
The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2008 opened on Saturday in Boao of south China's Hainan Province, focusing on the building of a Green Asia. Under the theme of "Green Asia: moving towards win-win through changes", the participants will discuss public-private partnerships in green energy sector, financial reform, and corporate social responsibility. The forum also features climate change, the future of the Internet and the intense competition in global markets.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/12/content_6612180.htm
140 haze days in Pearl River Delta Region, CAS establishing special center to deal with air pollution in the region
April 14, 2008
In 2007, haze days in Pearl River Delta Region reached 140 days, ranking highest throughout China. To deal with the serious environment pollution in this region, China Academy of Science established a special center, named as Pearl River Delta Region on Environment Pollution and Control Research Center. It is indicated that this center will be a key research institution in environment science research study, regional environmental planning in this region.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23974
Initiatives
Yantai increased urban air monitoring stations
April 10, 2008
Yantai's two new air quality monitoring stations has been operating since April 1st. The two new monitoring stations will definitely provide more monitoring data and demonstrate more accurately and comprehensively the air quality condition in the city.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23938
Urumqi to invest 2.67 billion RMB on environment protection
April 10, 2008
To ease air pollution in the city, Urumqi will invest 2.67 billion RMB on several key environment protection projects, including urban heating provision, boilers reconstruction, building energy-saving etc. Currently, coal dust, floating dust, vehicle emission are key pollutants in Urumqi, resulting serious are pollution in the city.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23935
MEP released Auto-monitoring Facilities Operation Management Method
April 11, 2008
Ministry of Environment Protection released the Auto-monitoring Facilities Operation Management Method on April 9th. The method will be implemented from May 1st. Auto-monitoring facilities operation management is key to push forward pollution reduction and energy-saving. SEPA launched the pollution auto-monitoring management methods in 2005, requiring certain emitting units to install auto-monitoring facilities and relevant facilities in a certain period.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080411_121030.htm
Research Program on industrial emitting coefficients
April 11, 2008
From April 2006, under the guidance of former SEPA, China Academy of Environment Science and Research launched a program on industrial emitting coefficient calculation research. This project covers 32 key industries, 351 minor industries and 23395 coefficients. This project is predicted to provide strong background for further environmental research and pollution reduction work.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080411_121024.htm
Guangzhou air quality to meet international standard in 2010
April 11, 2008
Guangzhou government passed the 2008-2010 Air Pollution Comprehensive Treatment Plan of Guangzhou City in the past few days. The action will expand from the central city to new urban areas. All the small cement factories will be closed next year. The plan covers 50 detail measures in 7 aspects, including waste gas treatment, industrial NOx emission control etc.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23962
Chengdu to include air pollution into administrative assessment
April 14, 2008
Chengdu will include the indicator of pollutant concentration into administrative assessment system. This is another key effort, since Chengdu included good air quality days and good air quality rates into the assessment system.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23972
ENERGY
Regulations & Measures
Energy Bluebook: high energy-consuming industries are barriers for energy saving work
April 9, 2008
The Energy Bluebook of 2008 was launched recently. According to the bluebook, in the first half of 2007, six high energy-consuming industries increased by 20.1%, covering iron, nonferrous metal, construction material, oil processing and coal coking, chemical and electric industries. In addition, in the near future, those industries will keep growing trend. This will be key barriers for China to finish energy-saving goals.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080409_120939.htm
Nuclear power firms to get tax rebate
April 10, 2008
China will give a value-added tax rebate to nuclear power firms as the country strives to develop its nuclear power industry, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and State Administration of Taxation. Nuclear power companies would get a rebate of 75 percent each year during their first five years of operation. The amount of the rebate would decrease to 70 percent in the following five years and 55 percent for the third five year period. The rebate took effect on January 1, 2008.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/10/content_6607902.htm
Initiatives
Energy-saving efforts in China Army
April 10, 2008
Chinese army started to promote energy-saving and resource saving work. A special working group was formed to coordinate for this work in February 2008. The group held the first meeting on April 9th, requiring the whole army should emphasize energy-saving work.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080410_120969.htm
Facts
Power plants urged to invest in coal sector
April 10, 2008
China's electricity regulator has advised major power companies to merge with or acquire coal producers and transporters to help stabilize costs and supplies. Utilities could slow the expansion of their thermal-power capacity and instead invest in coal transport firms and mines, Zou Yiqiao, director of the price and financial supervision department of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/10/content_6605993.htm
TRANSPORT
Regulations & Measures
Guangzhou: air pollution control meeting for key vehicle users
April 11, 2008
To push forward vehicle emission monitoring and administration in Guangzhou, Guangzhou EPB, together with Guangzhou Environment Monitoring Center, held the label dissemination and air pollution control special meeting for key vehicle users. This is the first time Guangzhou focusing on the air pollution control on users with more than 100 vehicles.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23966
Kunming passed Vehicle Emission Pollution Control Measure
April 10, 2008
Kunming passed the new vehicle emission pollution control measure on April 9. The new measure made a series of requirements on vehicle emission standard, emitting monitoring, transportation restriction and vehicles fuels.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23939
Shenyang released vehicle environment labels
April 11, 2008
Shenyang EPB will release vehicle environment labels freely in three months. Environmental labels include green and yellow colors. Green vehicles covers those reaching national II emitting standards, while yellow vehicles covers those vehicles between qualified vehicles and vehicles with green labels.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23963
Initiatives
Qingdao: vehicle emission monitoring voluntary actions
April 11, 2008
In the past few days, Qingdao EPB staffs actively joined in to the vehicle emission monitoring voluntary actions. They located 6 monitoring sites to implement vehicle emission monitoring during rush hours. All those data collected will be great sources to know the transportation condition in Qingdao.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23965
Qingdao: 425 environmental friendly buses will be on line
April 14, 2008
Qingdao will invest 158 million RMB to improve public transportation in 2008, adding 425 environmental friendly buses on way. Those new buses will be invested to 5 new lines. The other 10 to 15 bus lines will be adjusted as well. Those new buses have all meet national III emission standard.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23978
Center for private cars, drivers opened
April 14, 2008
Beijing established the nation's first administration center for private automobiles in the capital over the weekend. The center, directly under the municipal traffic management bureau, would provide automobile owners with education about traffic-related government policies and concerns to help them improve their driving skills and handling of automobile-related issues. Traffic management sub-bureaus among the city's districts and counties, in addition to 12 private car clubs, would also open branches of the center.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-04/14/content_6613516.htm
OTHERS
Program launched in China to tackle human health impact of climate change
April 7, 2008
The Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly launched a program in Beijing on Monday to help the country to fight human health risks from climate change. Funded by the Spanish government, the program would support China-based United Nations organizations to conduct work in the country on climate change mitigation and adaptation, said Zhao Yuezhao, an official with the monitoring bureau of China's Ministry of health.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/07/content_6597347.htm
China to fine retailers for giving free plastic bags
April 8, 2008
Chinese retailers could be fined up to 10,000 yuan ($1,428) for providing shoppers with free plastic shopping bags from June 1, the Ministry of Commerce has announced. The maximum penalty, included in a new draft regulation, was sharply down from 30,000 yuan previously reported by domestic media.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/08/content_6600115.htm
China takes responsible attitude to climate change
April 13, 2008
China is taking a responsible attitude towards climate change and some measures taken by the country are even more pro-active than some developed countries, Richard Yorke, HSBC China chief executive officer. The temperatureof all the country's air-conditioned public rooms should be kept at no lower than 26 degrees Celsius in summer and no higher than 20 degrees Celsius in winter. China's top five banks offered a total of 106.3 billion yuan in loans (US$ 15.18 billion) last year to help enterprises cut emissions and save energy.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/13/content_6613296.htm
Climate Change issues on Boao Forum of Asia
April 14, 2008
BFA 2008 Annual Conference together with UN China agencies held a meeting on global climate change, with themes on "Climate change: changes on our lives and economy". Many key international heads raise high appreciation of China's active efforts to deal with climate change.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw08/200804/t20080414_121114.htm
MEP launched the first compulsory standard on GHGs
April 14, 2008
The new ministry of environment protection launched the first batches of national environment standard, with compulsory prohibition to emit high-density CH4 in coals. This is the first compulsory measures relevant to GHGs. Meanwhile, the MEP also launched four environment standard on coal CH4, livelihood garbage, industrial pesticide and vehicle emission.
Chinese link: http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-04-14/152715353272.shtml
Olympics Relevant
Temporary environment protection measure during Olympics will be launched soon
April 8, 2008
Beijing government is making temporary environment protection measures during Olympics, released by Yu Xiaoxuan, deputy chief of Project and Environment Department of BOCOG. The temporary measures might cover vehicle pollution control, polluting construction sites. Yu also indicated that even though Beijing will not release any strict prohibition on construction sites, however, heavy construction sites, which is easy to produce floating dust will strictly be prohibited.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23893
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Liaocheng strengthens environmental protection
March 31, 2008
Liaocheng, an ancient city in the western part of Shandong province, has taken any means necessary in recent years to strengthen environmental protection and build an eco-city while at the same time developing the economy. The city invested 1.6 billion yuan ($228.11 million) in 2007 in desulfurization projects of its 20 coal-fired power plants. These projects helped Liaocheng reduce 6,022 tons of SO2 emissions every month. The city government also strengthened control of soot emissions in urban areas.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/31/content_6578454.htm
Air quality monitors 'were not moved'
April 4, 2008
Beijing's air pollution monitoring stations in the downtown area remain where they were, the environmental chief of the Olympic organizing committee said yesterday. Yu was responding to an article in the Wall Street Journal in February that claimed the Beijing environmental protection bureau had manipulated the air quality index by removing monitoring equipment from heavily polluted areas. The city has 27 air pollution monitoring stations, more than trippling the number in 1998.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-04/04/content_6591242.htm
Initiatives
Beijing air quality in first season reaches historically high
April 1, 2008
From January to March 2008, day with good air quality in Beijing reached 67, taking 73.6% of the whole month. This is the highest good air quality level in the past nine years, with 12 more good air days than that of 2007.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23809
Calculator puts people in know on emissions
April 4, 2008
An online carbon emission calculator has been developed to help green commuters track their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when traveling by car, bus or subway. The calculator is part of the Green Commuting, Carbon Footprint campaign initiated by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, the China Association for NGO Cooperation and the US-based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/04/content_6592026.htm
ENERGY
Regulations & Measures
Govt promotes energy-efficient buildings
April 1, 2008
Five ministries yesterday vowed to join hands to enhance the building energy efficiency (BEE) of new structures this year in a bid to save energy and reduce pollution. To counter a trend of ingenuously dubbing buildings as "energy-saving", the authority will form six to 10 expert groups to enhance supervision work among 30 provinces at the end of this year. The government has worked to improve legislation in this respect, and the country's first energy-saving law detailing BEE criteria takes effect today.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-04/01/content_6580318.htm
Revised Energy-Saving Law will be implemented from April 1
April 1, 2008
From April 1 on, the new revised energy-saving law will be put into practice. It is regulated in the new law that energy-saving should be a key national policy. New energy-saving aim responsibility and energy-saving assessment system will be adopted as well, to alleviate the worsening dilemma between economic development and energy shortage.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw/200804/t20080401_120539.htm
Initiatives
Window of opportunity in green buildings
April 1, 2008
With the largest construction market in the world, China's building area has been increasing by 2 billion sq m each year, nearly half of world's total. It is estimated the construction industry will take up 40 percent of the country's total energy consumption by 2020 to become the largest energy user. This also means a huge potential of the green construction market, with an estimated value of 1.5 trillion yuan.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/01/content_6581885.htm
Zhejiang promotes energy-saving tech trading
April 1, 2008
The nation's first specialty market for trading energy-saving and environment-friendly technology opened yesterday in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. The China Energy-saving and Environment-friendly Trade Space covers 250,000sq m and is backed by the Zhejiang Zhongcheng Industrial Group. It offers green services ranging from technology transfer, research, training and product marketing.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/01/content_6581870.htm
Guangxi replaces oil with bio-ethanol fuel
April 1, 2008
South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region became the 10th Chinese locality to have replaced gasoline and diesel oil with bio-ethanol fuel on Tuesday out of environmental and energy efficiency concerns. Petrol stations in all the 14 cities of Guangxi began to sell bio-ethanol fuel on Tuesday and in two weeks, traditional petrol and diesel oil will be phased out.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/01/content_6582953.htm
Bio-ethanol fuel is promoted in 10 provinces in China
April 2, 2008
Guangxi' switch to bio-ethanol fuel is the 10th province in China promoting bio-ethanol fuels. Before this, several places have adopted the switch, including Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Henan, Anhui and part places in Shandong, Jiangsu, Hubei and Hebei Province. This is part of China's energy switch strategy.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23831
TRANSPORT
Regulations & Measures
Qingdao adopts electric buses
April 2, 2008
Qingdao will start 4 electric buses from April, to reduce vehicle emission and prepared for Green Olympics. The new buses will be recharged to run 250 km at one time. Energy consumption for transportation is 1.6 kw.h per kilometer.
Chinese link: env.people.com.cn/GB/7069323.html
Chongqing will restrict high-polluting vehicles from central city
April 3, 2008
Chongqing will adopt monitoring to vehicles running in the central city, and release environment labels according to the monitoring result. All heavy-polluting vehicles will be restricted from access into central city.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23849
HK: Environmental business vehicles will be favored on initial registration tax
April 3, 2008
According to Hong Kong Environment Protection Bureau, all environmental business vehicles will be favored on initial registration tax. The tax favor covers those vehicles meeting Euro V emission standard. All buses, taxies, and vehicles for special purposes will be waived of the initial registration tax. Cargo vehicles will be got a favor of 50% waive.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23851
Initiatives
Tianjin will renew another 1500 buses before Olympics
March 31, 2008
Tianjin has launched a series of actions to promote public transport, including providing training in public bus industry, and enhancing public participation and supervision. In addition, 1500 vehicles will be renewed before Olympics, with another 500 vehicles to be renovated. All the new procurement on vehicles in public transport should meet national III standard.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23767
Tianjin to get three new railways in 2008
April 3, 2008
North China's Tianjin Municipality will add three railways in 2008, transforming it into a comprehensive modern transportation center. The three lines are the Tianjin section of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, the railway from the Tianjin west railway station to the Tianjin station, and the Tianjin-Qinhuangdao railway.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/03/content_6589585.htm
OTHERS
China, US to work together on green issues
April 2, 2008
China and the United States, two of the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide, have agreed to work together to research environmental science and technology. The monitoring of environmental protection and clean production systems are also key areas of interest for joint research. Scientists will discuss the specifics of the research at a three-day China-US Workshop on Environmental Science and Technology Cooperation, which opened in Beijing Tuesday.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/02/content_6584554.htm
Ningxia established leading group on adapting to climate change and energy-saving
April 2, 2008
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has established a special leading group on adapting to climate change and energy-saving. Responsibilities of the group include making relevant policies or guidelines on climate change and energy saving, arrange relevant tasks on adaptation to climate change and energy –saving.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23822
People more aware of environmental issues
April 4, 2008
More than 10 percent of respondents said environmental pollution is the country's most pressing social problem, a survey jointly conducted by China Environment Awareness Program (CEAP) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) found yesterday. The survey gathered responses from more than 3,000 people from 20 provinces over a year.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-04/04/content_6591755.htm
Olympics Relevant
Olympic health monitoring program launched
April 1, 2008
In preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the US Olympic Committee (USOC) and the General Electric Company (GEC), a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games, announced on Monday two research programs aimed at demonstrating that health monitoring and early intervention leads to injury prevention and enhanced health and sports performances for athletes.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-04/01/content_6581343.htm
Shenyang: Environment classification system for Vehicles during Olympics
April 1, 2008
Shenyang will adopt vehicle environmental classification system. The vehicles will be labeled in green or yellow colors with different access permits. Also vehicles with different labels will follow different administrations separately. Shenyang will continue raise new vehicle access standard and adopt emission pollution control.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23808
Tianjin launched time line to reduce SO2 emission
April 1, 2008
Tianjin will push forward pollution reduction to finish 11th FYP reduction aims, under the opportunity of co-holding Olympics. Tianjin will finish the desulphurization establishment in 9 power generation plants, including Datang Panshan Electric, Junliang Electric, to reduce SO2 pollution effectively.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23807
Top legislator urges preparation for successful Olympics
April 2, 2008
China's top legislator Wu Bangguo has urged the Beijing municipal government to make good preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games to ensure it will be unique and successful. Beijing should continue to improve its environmental protection and infrastructure, try harder to control air and water pollution, curb vehicle emissions and give priority to the development of the public transportation system, he said.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-04/02/content_6587778.htm
Olympics power Qingdao transport construction
April 2, 2008
The city government plans to invest a total of 77 billion yuan in a modern transportation system during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) to ensure Qingdao's position as an international shipping center and regional airline hub, says the Qingdao Municipal Communication Commission. According to the plan, 23.2 billion yuan will be earmarked for road construction, 25.17 billion yuan for port projects, 4.3 billion yuan for air terminals, 18.34 billion yuan for new railways and stations and 2.25 billion yuan for bus stations.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-04/02/content_6584431.htm
"Green Olympics: From idea to empirics" exhibition started
April 2, 2008
Beijing Olympic Organization Committee Communication Department held an exhibition in Beijing recently, in the theme of "Green Olympic: from idea to empirics". Hundreds of pictures and models were exhibited. The whole exhibition was divided into four segments, including green stadiums, eco-cities, energy-saving and emission reduction, and public participation. The pictures and models introduced briefly key ideas of Green Olympics, and efforts of Beijing government to improve environment and the already results.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw/200804/t20080402_120565.htm
Qingdao will monitor key polluters all day
April 3, 2008
To guarantee the smooth-going of sports events during Olympic Sailing Games, Qingdao EPB has strengthened air pollution monitoring to key polluters, including 19 key monitoring polluting sources, to ensure all industrial polluters emit at a qualified level. Those failed the environment standard will be suspended during the game.
Chinese link: http://www.mep.gov.cn/hjyw/200804/t20080403_120673.htm
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Guangdong pollutant indicators drop in 2007
Mar.26, 2008
China's southern Guangdong Province saw its major air and water pollutant indicators drop in 2007, yet the environmental situation remained "severe", the Guangdong Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau (GDEPB) said Tuesday. Guangdong's sulphur dioxide emissions fell by 5.05 percent.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/26/content_6566611.htm
Guangzhou swamped by acid rain
Mar.28, 2008
Eight out of every 10 rainfalls in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, last year was classified as acid rain. The city suffered from the worst acid rain of any in the province, the Guangdong provincial environmental protection bureau said. Altogether, two-thirds of Guangdong's 21 cities were affected.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/28/content_6571700.htm
Shanxi: Air quality in February improves
Mar.28, 2008
Air quality in February in Shanxi provinces show optimistic trend, days with good air quality increased comparing to the same time last year, expect Jincheng city. Air pollution index of 10 key cities reduced.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23740
Guiyang: Environment improved obviously
Mar.28, 2008
Guiyang's environment improved obviously last year. Days with good air quality reached 346, covering 94.79 percent of the whole year. The average daily concentration of NO2, PM10 and SO2 reached 0.023, 0.0875 and 0.057 mg/cu.m., qualifying the Level II air quality standard the first time.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080328_254890.html
Initiatives
China to spend 78% more on emission reduction
Mar.25, 2008
China's central government plans to increase spending on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction schemes by 78 percent this year as part of a larger effort to meet its 2010 environmental targets, the Ministry of Finance said Monday. Total expenditure would rise to 41.8 billion yuan (5.89 billion US dollars) from 23.5 billion yuan last year.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/25/content_6562995.htm
Hubei: 49million RMB invested on on-site pollution monitoring system
Mar.27, 2008
Hebei recently allocated 49 million RMB specifically on on-site pollution monitoring system construction, including 20 million construction subsidy and 29 million operation and maintenance fees.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080327_223416.html
Hebei implemented environmental monitoring to 60 key polluting units
Mar.28, 2008
Hebei province will implement environmental monitoring to 30 key industrial polluting sources and 30 key counties, to promote pollution reduction in the provincial scale. The monitoring plan includes air quality, surface water quality and sewage treatment plant monitoring in counties, and key pollutant monitoring in 30 key enterprises.
Chinese link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/environment/2008-03/28/content_7874003.htm
ENERGY
Regulations & Measures
Hainan: Enhance supervision on energy consumption of public building
Mar.27, 2008
Hainan Construction Department indicated that the Energy Efficiency Bulletin system will be launched. From now on, the energy consumption of public buildings will be supervised by the public. The construction department will implement energy-saving rehabilitation to high energy-consuming buildings.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080327_223411.html
Energy labeling system saved about 6.8 billion kw.h in the past 3 years
Mar.28, 2008
It is indicated that the energy labeling system adopted in the past 3 years contributed greatly to energy saving, amounting to 6.8 billion kw.h. Ever since the beginning the labeling system, relevant department has launched three batches of energy-labeling product categories, covering cooling, heating, fluorescent light industries etc.
Chinese link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/environment/2008-03/28/content_7873968.htm
Initiatives
Efforts urged for better energy efficiency
Mar.24, 2008
The government has taken various measures in recent years, such as linking energy-saving performance to decide the career future of officials and the leaders of the State-owned enterprises, in order to curb the growth of energy consumption. Last year, the country consumed 2.65 billion tons of standard coal equivalent, up 7.8 percent from the year before, even as consumption growth slowed 1.81 percent year-on-year.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/24/content_6560010.htm
Huaneng to boost renewable energy
Mar.26, 2008
China Huaneng Group will boost the development of new energy such as wind and solar power, in line with the government's thrust for renewable energy. The company has accelerated its development of wind power in Guangdong, Jilin, Shandong, Inner Mongolia and Hainan, said Huaneng President Li Xiaopeng. Besides wind, solar and biomass power, the company will also increase its capacity of hydropower, thermal and nuclear power.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/26/content_6566023.htm
Qinhuangdao: Garbage burning power generation to start
Mar.27, 2008
Released by relevant department of Qinhuangdao city, a garbage power generation plant will be launched, involving an investment around 450 million RMB. Currently, the initial preparation work for the project has been started, including field clearing and facilities bidding. It is indicated that the new power plant will cover an area of 99.96 squire kilometer.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080327_223409.html
TRANSPORT
Guangzhou: dust haze induced by vehicle worsened
Mar.26, 2008
In the past week, Guangzhou will annoyed by dust haze. Relevant authorities that air pollution and atmospheric condition are direct courses for the haze weather. Vehicle emission is believed to be a key polluting source. Guangzhou should emphasize pollution control floating dust from roads and construction sites, as well as vehicle pollution control.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23674
Regulations & Measures
Vehicles in Beijing to reach 3.35m during Olympics
Mar.27, 2008
Beijing's motor vehicle total will reach 3.35 million in August, when the Olympics will be staged, according to sources with the Municipal government Thursday. With a daily growth of 1,300 vehicles, the city is faced with increasing problems of congestion and pollution. Up to Tuesday, the city has seen a total of 3.23 million vehicles.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-03/27/content_6571379.htm
Beijing: Subsidies provided to phase excessive polluting vehicles
Mar.27, 2008
To guarantee good air quality during Olympics, Beijing Transportation Management Bureau revealed that excessive polluting vehicles, which need to be phased out before Olympics, might be subsidies if treatment is implemented before the end of June. The standard of subsidy is 15,000 RMB for cargo vehicle and 25,000 RMB for passenger vehicle.
Chinese link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/environment/2008-03/27/content_7868385.htm
Initiatives
Macao: natural gas buses might be used in the next two years
Mar.26, 2008
On the business visit to Chongqing natural gas vehicles, an officer of Macao Special Administration Region revealed that natural gas buses might be put into use in the next two years. Relevant department is currently making related regulations on safety, technology on natural gas vehicles.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23680
OTHERS
New ministry aims for greener China
Mar.24, 2008
The ministry last Tuesday replaced its website domain name SEPA to MEP (Ministry of Environment Protection). Minister Zhou and other high-level officials in charge are considering a reshuffle of SEPA, as well as its elevation into a real ministry. Zhou has required his staff prepare for the new ministry's launch ceremony even though the internal reshuffle will not be finished until July.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/24/content_6561291.htm
Olympics Relevant
Inner Mongolia assists Beijing to meet Olympic air quality goal
Mar.24, 2008
To assist Beijing to meet air quality commitment during Olympics, Inner Mongolia government recently launched the Beijing Air Quality Guarantee Measure Implementation Program during Olympics. The program includes 5 regions as key pollution control area, requiring all electric enterprise install desulphurization, dust elimination and control SO2 and NOx emission.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23643
Shenyang launched Olympic Environment Safety Project
Mar.26, 2008
Shenyang recently launched the Olympic Environment Safety Project, with key focus on vehicle emission control. From June 1st on, all renewed buses should meet national III emitting standard. Meanwhile, all the running buses should use fuel cleaning additives and avoid black smoking.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23677
CAS established Air Quality Comprehensive Monitoring System in Olympic Region
Mar.26, 2008
China Academy of Science (CAS) recently established the Olympic Region Air Quality Comprehensive Monitoring System. The system covers indoor air quality monitoring of Olympic Stadiums and Outdoor air quality monitoring of surrounding areas.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23681
Beijing adds new forest park for Olympic games
Mar.28, 2008
To improve air quality and attract tourists during the 2008 summer Olympics, Beijing has approved a national forest park, bringing the total number to 15, the municipal forestry authorities said Thursday. The forest park, called Labagou, boasts rich plant and animal species and is of great importance in protecting the environment protection of the 2008 Olympics host city, said the municipal forestry department.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-02/28/content_6494304.htm
AIR QUALITY
Regulations & Measures
Shanxi: Differentiated SO2 emission charge
Mar. 18, 2008
From April 1st, Shanxi will adopt a new SO2 emission charging system to differentiate the charges for different emitting behaviors. For those industrial units with waste gas desulphurization facilities, a charging standard of 630 RMB per ton SO2 emission will be adopted. For those without desulphurization facilities, per ton SO2 emission will be charged around 1260 RMB.
Chinese link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/environment/2008-03/18/content_7813494.htm
Tianjin released Blue Sky Project implementation plan for 2008
Mar.20, 2008
Tianjin recently circulated the 2008 Blue Sky Project Implementation Plan. The blue sky goal for 2008 is that days with air quality above level II should be more than 83% of the whole year. Blue sky days during the Olympics should be 100%. Emission reduction targets should be reached.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23582
Initiatives
Shanxi: Cities will obvious air quality improvement will be awarded
Mar.21, 2008
To push forward Blue Sky and Clean Water Project, Shanxi Province launched an awarding system to six heavy polluting cities on March 17. This effort is predicted to accelerate air quality improvement steps. Heavy polluting cities, exiting the most serious 5 cities will be awarded 1 million RMB. Those exiting the most serious 10 polluting cities will be rewarded 2 million RMB.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080321_223238.html
ENERGY
Facts
Eco-cities power green development
Mar.19, 2008
Many local cities have made great effort to construct eco-cities. Sustainable energy is an important part of eco-cities. Here is the story of different cities with different alternatives to develop sustainable development. Fuxin in Liaoning province, has an ambitious plan to "turn a coal-dependent city into a city of wind farms". The Ningxia Hui autonomous region will build nine new wind power plants with an investment of $2.2 billion by 2020. The Tibet autonomous region is promoting the development and application of solar power, wind and geothermal energies in several regions, amid efforts to realize the commercialization of renewable energy resources.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008npc/2008-03/19/content_6547877.htm
Regulations & Measures
Renewable Energy Development Plan for 11th Five-Year Period Unveiled
Mar.21, 2008
China's National Development and Reform Commission has just published the Renewable Energy Development Plan for the 11th Five-year Period in which it says that the country's renewable energy consumption shall account for 10% of the total energy consumption by 2010, which is an increase of 2.5% over that of 2005.
English link: www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x139839-20k
Initiatives
Hainan warms up to solar solution
Mar. 19, 2008
Hainan province, an island the size of Belgium, plans to harness its richest resource - sunlight. As part of a clean energy plan to protect its stunning coasts and semitropical ecology, the island has also mapped out a plan to construct wind farms.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-03/19/content_6547579.htm
Henan province release energy-saving indicator
Mar.21, 2008
Henan province recently release energy-saving goal of 2008, urging local government should divide energy-saving goals to make comprehensive plans. In 2008, energy per unit GDP reduction goals in Zhengzhou, Kaifeng and Luoyang are 5.4%, 4.54% and 4.84%.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080321_223232.html
Storms, industry policies reduce growth in China's power use
Mar.22, 2008
Growth in China's electricity consumption slowed in the first two months of 2008 as the government imposed curbs on heavy industry and winter storms cut power supplies in some areas. Policies to curb smokestack industries, which are energy-intensive and highly polluting, were taking effect during the period, the council said. Meanwhile, power was being diverted to residential areas affected by the severe weather.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/22/content_6557922.htm
TRANSPORT
Regulations & Measures
Tianjin: Urban buses should reach Euro III emission standard
Mar.19, 2008
Tianjin Public Transportation Group indicated that 1000 high-standard new buses reaching Euro III emission standard will be put into use during Olympics. 1000 Euro II buses will be updated to meet Euro III.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23545
Guangdong to ban vehicles with nonstandard emission
Mar.19, 2008
Guangdong province will stop licensing vehicles that fail to meet the nation's stage III emission standard from July 1, according to a government statement released yesterday on its website. The province also aims to introduce the more stringent stage IV emission standard for vehicle licensing in the highly developed and more polluted Pearl River Delta region.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/19/content_6547693.htm
Xinjiang will launched new vehicle emission standard
Mar.20, 2008
Xinjiang EPB recently held a discussion meeting on the new to-be-released vehicle emission standard for light vehicles. Some other regulations will be launched as well to improve the effect of new vehicle emission standard.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23584
Excessive emitting vehicles will be prohibited from central Chongqing
Mar.20, 2008
According to the new regulation by Yuzhong District of Chongqing, excessive emitting vehicles labeled with yellow badges will be prohibited from access into Jiefangbei.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23571
Panzhihua: excessive polluting vehicles will get penalty
Mar.21, 2008
Under the coordination of Panzhihua East Region Court of Sichuan Province, the first 8 vehicle owners of excessive emitting vehicles have submitted the penalty to Panzhihua EPB. This is the first time in Panzhihua to fine excessive vehicles through legal procedure.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/fz/qt/200803/t20080321_223250.html
Initiatives
Shenyang: goodbye to black smoking for 1400 buses during Olympics
Mar.20, 2008
Before Olympics, at least 1400 buses will be replaced or renewed to eliminate black smoking phenomenon, released on an energy-saving emission reduction meeting on public transportation in Shenyang. To guarantee will buses meeting emission standard, all bus operation entrepreneurs should establish special fund for environment improvement.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23581
Jiaozhou: vehicle monitoring station for bid
Mar.21, 2008
Vehicle monitoring station has bided the operation and construction rights recently. According to relevant regulations, all vehicles should pass regular vehicle waste gas inspection and obtain environment classification labels, before running on the road.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080321_223224.html
OTHERS
Carbon Disclosure Project Gains Support To Target China
Mar.19, 2008
The Carbon Disclosure Project announced a three-year global partnership with Merrill Lynch to help support CDP's development and growth in China and around the world.
English link: www.chinasourcingnews.com/tag/automobile/
Blair: China makes big efforts on climate change
Mar.20, 2008
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in Beijing Wednesday China was making big efforts on tackling climate change issue, calling for more support from developed countries to developing countries on clean technology transfer.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/20/content_6551981.htm
China starts auto parts recovery program for circular economy
Mar.21, 2008
China Friday started a pilot program to recover discarded auto parts as part of its efforts to achieve circular economy. The National Development and Reform Commission Friday signed with three auto makers and 11 parts manufacturers letters of commitment on the pilot auto parts recovery program.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-03/21/content_6557800.htm
Chongqing to draft plans for climate change
Mar.21, 2008
Chongqing is drafting a comprehensive plan to deal with climate change, according to official from Chongqing Development and Reform Commission. In the plan, industrial structure is adjusted, especially coal industry which Chongqing is dependent on. Small wind power generation plants will be treated and an expert tank for adaptation to climate change will be established as well.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23613
Jilin launch environment special action plan
Mar.21, 2008
Jilin Province recently started a special action plan to treat illegal emitting enterprises and guarantee health of citizens. The action plan will focus on enhancing pollution monitoring on Songhuajiang and Liaohe River, treat industrial parks and illegal emitting behaviors in the industrial park.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080321_223231.html
Olympics Relevant
Shenyang: Clear skies
Mar.17, 2008
Well known in the country for heavy industry and severe pollution, some cities in Liaoning province were not even visible by satellite in the 1980s. Today, however, the sky in Shenyang, the province's capital, is bluer than Beijing. Last year, Shenyang had over 320 good air quality days, about 70 days more than Beijing, thanks to the province's efforts in energy savings and emission control.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bw/2008-03/17/content_6540616.htm
Beijing will control floating dust during Olympics
Mar.18, 2008
Beijing relevant departments will strictly control floating dust during Olympics. Before the end of June, all construction sites should be covered by sands, roads solidified, in and out vehicles with wheels washed and barren lands greened.
Chinese link: http://www.cenews.com.cn/xwzx/zhxw/qt/200803/t20080318_223085.html
Qinghuangdao: 20 air pollution prevention projects
Mar.19, 2008
To guarantee good air quality during Olympics, Qinghuangdao started the Welcoming Olympics Air Quality Guarantee Program, in which about 20 air pollution prevention projects will be implemented. Air quality monitoring report and alarming systems will be established during Olympics. An official from Qinhuangdao EPB indicated that all air pollution prevention projects should be finished before Olympics, otherwise, heavy polluting units will be stopped.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23547
Air fit for Olympics: IOC report
Mar.19, 2008
Air quality in the capital this August will be good enough for Olympians during the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said after a study by its medical commission. The commission studied and collected data on the city's air quality from an Olympic pre-run event last August.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-03/19/content_6547476.htm
Shijiazhuang close black-smoking boilers to guarantee good air quality for Olympics
Mar. 21, 2008
Shijiazhuang EPB held a promotion meeting on desulphurization and dust elimination of coal-burning boilers on March 19. The meeting urged all industrial boilers should finish treatment before end of June. All the failed boilers will be shut down. This is one of the measures adopted by Shijiazhuang city to guarantee good air quality for Olympics
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-sepa.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=23614
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Chongqing: good air quality i | 
