Low vehicle emission zones will be designated in busy districts next year, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.
Delivering his Policy Address at the Legislative Council today, Mr Tsang said the Government will implement a pilot scheme increasing the ratio of low-emission buses running in these zones, which include districts like Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok.
It wants to have only low-emission buses in those areas by 2015.
Bus franchises
Additional franchise requirements will be imposed on bus companies to switch to zero-emission, or the most environmentally-friendly, vehicles when replacing existing ones, taking into account the feasibility and affordability for operators and passengers.
As hybrid buses have the potential to replace diesel ones on a large scale within a short period, Mr Tsang said: "We propose to fund the full cost of procuring six hybrid buses for use by the franchised bus companies along busy corridors to test the operational efficiency and performance of these buses."
If the bus companies wish to test other buses, such as electric ones, the Government will provide them with the same financial support.
The Government and franchised bus companies are conducting a trial to retrofit Euro II and Euro III buses with catalytic reduction devices to meet Euro IV nitrogen oxide emission standards.
"Subject to satisfactory trial results, the Government will fully fund the retrofit of the device on all Euro II and III buses. Bus companies will bear the subsequent operational and maintenance costs."
Power generation
Mr Tsang also proposed optimising the fuel mix for power generation, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels, phasing out coal-fired generation units, and increasing the use of non-fossil, cleaner and low-carbon fuels, including renewable energy and imported nuclear energy.
"We propose by 2020 natural gas should account for 40% of our fuel mix for power generation, coal no more than 10%, renewable energy about 3-4%, and the balance of about 50% by imported nuclear energy.
"We expect the carbon intensity in Hong Kong to be reduced by 50-60% by 2020, compared with the 2005 level. Greenhouse gas emissions will decrease by 19-33% compared with 2005. Emissions per capita will also be lowered from 6.2 tonnes to 3.6-4.5 tonnes, far lower than the levels of the US, the EU and Japan."
Marine ecology
To protect Hong Kong's marine resources and ecology, the Government will table legislation next year banning trawling in Hong Kong waters.
"To assist the fishermen affected, we will launch a voluntary trawler buyout scheme, and grant an ex-gratia allowance to eligible fishermen." Details will be announced by the Secretary for Food & Health later, Mr Tsang added.
Training and technical support for affected fishermen will be provided to help them switch to other sustainable fishing operations, including aquaculture and leisure fishing.
Some fishing vessels bought under the voluntary scheme will be processed for use as artificial reefs to enrich fishery resources and improve marine ecology.
Pet projects
The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will open more venues allowing people to bring their dogs.
Mr Tsang said the department will also identify suitable sites for new pet parks. Local residents and the District Councils will be consulted beforehand.
Public education and publicity will be enhanced to tackle the problem of stray cats and dogs at source. The Government will work with animal welfare groups to enhance adoption services for stray cats and dogs and provide free neutering for adopted pets.
