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The Government is seeking to improve local air quality through linking the power companies' permitted rate of return to their emission-cap achievement, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says, adding their profits will be tied to their performance.
Speaking on an RTHK radio programme today, Mr Yau said emission levels of nitrogen oxides, respirable suspended particulates and volatile organic compounds had come down over the past five years - but sulfur dioxide emissions had increased by 30%.
The major reason is increased emissions from the power plants, he added.
He said an amendment would provide a legal basis for the Government to tighten the emission levels when necessary.
The Chief Executive also announced in the Policy Address he planned to ask the Legislative Council to approve funding of $93 million for the Hong Kong Productivity Council to launch a five-year programme to encourage about 1,000 Hong Kong enterprises in Guangdong to play their part in improving the regional environment.
Mr Yau said, under the programme, Hong Kong enterprises will be able to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency as well as improve competitiveness and their corporate image.
The programme will first target about 100 enterprises, he said. They will be helped to check emissions equipment already in place and given advice to help them design and install new equipment to cut emissions and lower energy consumption.
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