Opening remarks by SEN at press conference on Environment Bureau initiatives in 2014 Policy Address (with video)

Opening remarks by SEN at press conference on Environment Bureau initiatives in 2014 Policy Address (with video)
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     Following is the opening remarks by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, at a press conference today (January 17) on policy initiatives of the Environment Bureau in the 2014 Policy Address:

     Let me repeat some key points in English.

     Last year, we had drawn up two comprehensive blueprints to improve Hong Kong's environment - a Clean Air Plan and a 10-year Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources for Hong Kong.

     In the Policy Address announced this year, we will continue to take forward these blueprints with other new initiatives.

     Firstly, to improve air quality, we will have $11.4 billion funding to phase out old diesel commercial vehicles with effect from this March.

     Hong Kong will promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by having the first batch of electric buses by year end. To encourage the expansion of the electric taxi fleet, we will launch a trial scheme for suppliers of electric taxis to install quick chargers at car parks administered by the Transport Department. The Government will also procure more EVs for trial use by Principal Officials.

     We will mandate ocean-going vessels at berth to switch to low-sulphur diesel and enhance Pearl River Delta co-operation on regional air quality improvement.

     Secondly, on waste management, the Council for Sustainable Development is consulting the public on a municipal solid waste charging scheme and will submit proposals to us for devising a charging mechanism suitable for Hong Kong for action.

     We will launch a $1 billion Recycling Fund and are collecting views from the trade to formulate policies.

     Each of the 18 districts will have one community green station. The first green station will operate in Sha Tin by mid-2014.

     For the six restored landfill sites involving some 18 hectares, we will set up a $1 billion Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme. NGOs and other groups can apply and develop the sites into recreational, environmental or community facilities.

     We will also draw up comprehensive plans to treat organic waste, including food waste and yard waste.

     Thirdly, regarding other initiatives, we will conserve sites with high ecological significance and formulate strategies to further promote green buildings.

     On the energy front, we will soon consult the public on our future fuel mix for power generation and review the future regulatory framework for the electricity market.

     To conclude, while we will move forward with our blueprints and other initiatives, we require joint efforts from the whole community to reduce waste and save energy for green living.

     Thank you.

Ends/Friday, January 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:25

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