Thursday, December 15, 2011

Israel Introduces First National Air Pollution Reduction Program

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection will be distributing to government offices, its first national air pollution reduction program which is expected to substantially reduce the emission of the most harmful pollutants.

The program will be brought to a vote by the government in the coming weeks. It is expected that illness caused by air pollution will cost NIS 8 billion in the next decade if measures are not taken.

The program includes expansion of the scrappage program which encourages owners of older cars that produce dangerous emissions to remove them from the road in exchange for cash. Additionally, wider use of public transportation will be encouraged, as well as offering reduced toll rates for multi-passenger vehicles. Financial incentives will also be offered to employers who operate programs that encourage carpooling to work.

Read more about it here.

I'm off to breathe in some fresh air, till next time!
J