China reduces lead emission in six years   (Xinhua)  Updated: 2006-06-05 10:07  
The lead emission has been reduced by 1,500 tons each year since China 
prohibited the use of leaded gasoline in July 2000, says a white paper titled 
"Environmental Protection in China (1996-2005)". 
  "In recent years, the 
vehicle emission standards have proceeded from Phase I to Phase II, and Phase 
III standards have been drawn up," says the white paper, which is released by 
the Information Office of the State Council. 
  Some cities have started a 
clean vehicle campaign, actively promoting the use of low-pollution vehicles 
fueled by natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas. 
  According to the 
white paper, the quantitative examination system for comprehensive urban 
environmental control has been introduced in over 500 Chinese cities. 
  The system gives quantitative standards for the quality of the urban 
environment, pollution control and construction of urban environmental 
infrastructure, and thus will help to comprehensively assess the environmental 
protection work of city governments, the paper says. 
  At present, more 
than 100 cities (districts) are building themselves into environment-protection 
model cities, among which 56 cities and five districts in municipalities 
directly under the central government have succeeded in meeting the required 
standards. 
  "These model cities enjoy 80 percent of the total number of 
days a year with air quality reaching or above Grade II," it 
says.   (For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)  
  |