January 30, 2007
PRESS RELEASE CIVIC EXCHANGE RESPONDS TO IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR EMISSION TRADING PILOT SCHEME RELEASED TODAY
For Immediate Release HONG KONG, January 30, 2007 – The implementation framework for a pilot emission trading scheme for thermal power plants in the Pearl River Delta region was released today. The pilot scheme is narrowly targeted, designed primarily to allow both sides to gain experience in the design and operation of an emissions trading scheme for the region. Christine Loh, CEO of Hong Kong think tank Civic Exchange welcomed the release of the implementation framework, but noted that “since it does not address the mix of small-scale, polluting factories that are generating many of the air pollutants of concern, it must be seen as the first step in introducing new economically-driven measures to further tackle the significant air quality concerns in the PRD region.” “We look forward to finding out more details of the scheme, including how long it will run for,” Loh said. A report on emissions trading recently published by investment research group CLSA Asia-Pacific, written by Loh and Roger Raufer of International Environmental Trading Group, noted that although China has been experimenting with emissions trading in smallscale pilot projects since 1998 progress to full emissions trading has been hindered by the absence of a strong enforcement system and culture. - End Release -
A full copy of the “'The Emissions Game - How Markets Can Help Save the Planet' report commissioned by CLSA Asia Pacific Markets is available for download on the Civic Exchange website http://www.civic-exchange.org/publications/2007/ET.pdf For enquiries, please contact: Ms Christine Loh cloh@civic-exchange.org 2893 0213 or 9802 8888 Dr Roger Raufer roger.raufer@ietg.com Ms Michele Weldon mweldon@civic-excahnge.org 2893 0213 or 6271 4147
Civic Exchange is a non-profit public policy think tank based in Hong Kong that helps to improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis. For more information about Civic Exchange, please visit www.civic-exchange.org
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