1. How is Chinese fuel standards compared with western countries?
Generally speaking, Chinese fuel standards are not compatible with those of most western countries. Take National III Standard for example. It generally permits about five times more polluting sulfur than is allowed in U.S., and fifteen times more than is permitted in Europe.
2. What is the recent implementation that Beijing takes regarding the air pollution?
The Beijing government implemented a stricter emission standard for vehicles on Feb. 1st 2013. It also has stated its intention to remove 180,000older mobiles from the road, and promote clean energy vehicle use among government department first.
3. What is required by the Air Pollution Control Regulation, which will be open for comments until Feb. 8th 2013?
What is the result if anyone breaks the rule?
The proposal requires authorities to forecast pollution levels and take actions including suspension of production at factories and ordering vehicles off the city’s roads when pollution hits designated levels.
Rule breakers will face fines of from RMB50,000 to RMB500,000. However, it has been criticized that the aforesaid fines is not burdensome enough to stop companies from engaging in illegal behavior.
4. What is the purpose of the release of the development plan for cleaner energy under the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015)?
This plan aims to increase the proportion of non-fossil fuel and natural gas-based energy, and decrease the share of coal-fired energy. Besides, electricity, oil and gas, and energy markets are also included in the reform to move the economy to more market-based pricing.
