Responding to protest marches yesterday by environmental groups in Taichung and Kaohsiung, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Hsu Kuo-yung said today that the government is acutely aware of the public's high expectations for improving air quality. On December 14, the Executive Yuan approved draft revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act as a means of augmenting the air quality control regime by simultaneously focusing on industrial, transportation and other pollution sources to improve air quality throughout Taiwan.
Pinpointing the causes of poor air quality is a complex task, as there are many sources of air pollution. To achieve the best results, such factors as cost and technical limitations must be considered when prioritizing various measures.
The Executive Yuan has already surveyed and determined the top 30 sources of air pollution, among which the steel, power generation and petrochemical industries are over-represented. Analyzing national data on emissions shows that state-owned corporations are the heaviest polluters. These companies should therefore receive priority in the evaluation of further reductions.
In addition, the Executive Yuan has drawn on data from all ministries and agencies in formulating the "14+N" strategy, an action plan for controlling air pollution. Cutting pollution from state-owned enterprises will take precedence, facilitated through cross-agency cooperation. Results from the air pollution survey will be used to guide the planning and scheduling of upgrades and modernization at these state-owned companies in order to accelerate air quality improvements.
To address mobile source pollution, the central and local governments are moving forward with plans to eliminate two-stroke scooters and motorcycles, phase out diesel trucks older than 18 years, require the installation of diesel particulate filters in diesel vehicles less than 18 years old, and introduce electric vehicles to ship produce. Efforts are also underway to increase the number of trips taken on public transport, improve rail freight capabilities and enhance shipping controls at ports and harbors.
The government will also strengthen regulations in such areas as manufacturing processes and vehicle fuels to reduce pollution and lower emissions of heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals like benzene and toluene.