The Ministry of Environmental Protection intends to bring to the government’s approval a multi-year national plan to reduce air pollution in Israel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan reflects new measures, as well as measures set out in a number of government decisions in the past year: a decision to set targets for reducing greenhouse gases; A decision to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases; And a decision to promote clean transportation. According to a preliminary estimate, the total benefits arising from the plan are about NIS 4.7 billion from the reduction of local air pollutants, and about NIS 12.8 billion from the reduction of greenhouse gases in 2030.
The current government decision set quantitative targets for reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from industry, electricity generation, transportation, agriculture and waste by 2030, as well as promoting environmental and health information on air pollutants and advancing technology in the environment and climate. The targets for reducing air pollutant emissions were set relative to the projected amount of emissions routinely in 2030. The reduction rates are 48% for sulfur dioxide, 18% for nitrogen oxides, 12% for particulate matter (PM2.5), 9% for particulate matter (PM10), 8 % For volatile organic compounds and 32% for benzene.
The plan includes, among other things, the detailed reduction measures:
Reducing emissions of air pollutants from the electricity, industry and stationary sources: Implementation of a program to support investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a budget of NIS 450 million. Updating the conditions in the standard specification in a business license for quarries in order to reduce particulate emissions. Preparation of a plan to convert the 5-6 coal-fired units at the Orot Rabin power plant and the four coal-fired units at the Rotenberg power plant to use mineral gas.
Reduction of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from ZMA vessels: The Ministry of Environmental Protection will determine and publish on its website a ranking of mechanical engineering equipment (ZMA) active in Israel according to their degree of pollution, so that it will be possible to check the degree of air pollution for all ZMA tools registered in Israel. The ministry will work with local authorities to encourage them to make use of this ranking and to restrict the operation of polluting weapons in their territory according to their authority.
Reduction of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from agriculture: Writing a plan and promoting regulations for the prevention of agricultural waste fires. Writing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
Reduction of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from waste: Promoting regulations for organic waste. Acceleration of infrastructure for the construction of waste facilities. Formulation in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense in the face of a plan to prevent waste burning in open areas.
Steps to promote environmental and health information on air pollutants: Increasing the number of environmental sampling points. The publication of voices calls for funding for epidemiological studies and surveys to examine the links between air pollution and disease and the environmental impact of air pollutants and pollutant emission reduction techniques.
Steps for technological advancement in the field of environment and climate: Promotion of pioneer projects and demonstration to prove the economic and operational feasibility of projects in the field of energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Prepare and implement an assistance program for the advancement of innovative Israeli technologies with the potential to reduce pollution.
Minister of Environmental Protection, Tamar Zandberg: “The national plan for the prevention and reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions coordinates all government actions to deal with the climate crisis and to maintain public health. Our goals are zero carbon emissions and good air quality in cities. The government will continue to act resolutely until these goals are achieved in practical-practical steps. “
Want to write on the site or run a column?