2006-07 Policy Address
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Policy Address

Strategic Objectives

52.            Environmental protection is a long-term undertaking. First, we must adopt a forward-looking strategic approach by setting improvement goals for different stages while allowing for future new technology-induced improvements. To reduce air pollution, we have formulated the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan. This plan, prepared in partnership with the Guangdong Provincial Government, aims to achieve specific emissions reduction targets by 2010. We have now set up a 16-station air quality monitoring network in the PRD. Based on the data collected, the PRD Regional Air Quality Index is released everyday on the Internet to keep the public informed of the actual regional air quality. The data collected will also help us assess the effectiveness of our pollution reduction measures. The Guangdong Provincial Government has been strengthening its hardware and software to reduce pollution. Measures being pursued include installing desulphurisation systems, using natural gas for power generation, and striving to speed up the introduction of National III motor vehicle emission standards (on a par with Euro III standards) in PRD cities.

53.       In Hong Kong, we have imposed emission caps on power plants at Castle Peak, Black Point and Lamma Island. These emission caps will be progressively tightened to meet the 2010 emission reduction targets. I stress that we shall not allow these firm targets to be compromised in any way. We require power plants to regularly review and update their pollution control technology by the best practicable means. The need to protect our environment will be the focus of our negotiations with the power companies over their new Schemes of Control. Their permitted rate of return will be linked to their achievement of the emission caps.

54.       Vehicle emissions account for some 25% of local air pollution. In the long run, we will continue to follow closely the latest Euro standards to ensure that we adopt new fuels and technology to reduce polluting vehicle emissions.

55.       All of us will be able to help make a difference to our air quality if we are committed to energy saving. The Government has been making vigorous efforts to promote building energy codes (BECs). Newly designed government buildings have fully complied with the BECs. We are also replacing less energy efficient equipment in older government buildings as well as strengthening daily housekeeping practices by Government departments to improve overall energy efficiency. The Government will adopt the concept of greening of rooftops whenever practicable in the design of new buildings. We are studying the wider application of the concept with a view to encouraging more projects to adopt this approach.

56.       In preparing for future development, we have embarked on a review of our Air Quality Objectives. The Environmental Protection Department, in light of the World Health Organisation’s new guidelines on air quality announced last week, will examine the local situation and come up with suitable targets and strategies for the future.

57.       For wastewater and solid waste management, we have made steady progress in implementing our long-term strategies and initiatives. The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme started in the early 1990s and we expect Stage 2A to be completed in 2014. The Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste for 2005-2014, published last December, is a comprehensive plan covering the reuse, recycling and reduction of solid waste, together with a timetable for legislation on Producer Responsibility Schemes and waste charging. Since the launch of the charging scheme on construction waste early this year, there has been a 36% reduction in construction waste going to landfills.