Hong Kong, Mar. 5 — Hong Kong SAR Government issued the following news release:

Following is the full text of the paper submitted by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, at the Special Meeting of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council today (March 5):

Chairman,

I am delighted to attend the Special Meeting of the Finance Committee today to brief Members on the part of next financial year’s Estimates which relate to the Environment Bureau (ENB) as well as our future work in key policy areas.

Government Resource Commitment in Environment Protection

The Government has attached a lot of importance to protecting the environment and devoted substantial resources and manpower in taking forward this area of work. The amount of funding allocated to ENB’s policy portfolio totalled nearly $60.3 billion under the current term of Government. The annual funding allocation has been on the rise. It more than doubled from $6.3 billion in 2007-08 to $13.9 billion in the next financial year.

In addition to directly providing financial and manpower resources for work in environmental protection, the Government has also allocated a considerable amount of resources in support of different quarters in the community in furthering the environmental cause. They include non-governmental organisations, charitable bodies, schools and residents organisations. In the period of 2008 to end 2011, the Environment and Conservation Fund approved more than 2,000 projects which promote energy saving, waste reduction and recycling, greening, conservation and scientific research on environmental protection. They far exceed the total number of around 1,000 projects approved in the 14 years since the Fund was set up in 1994. The subsidies amount to over $1 billion and have effectively facilitated different sectors of the community to actively undertake environmental projects.

During the past few years, we have carried out extensive work in different environment policy areas. In terms of legislation, we introduced five new ordinances to establish a new regulatory framework in the areas of energy efficiency, air quality, waste reduction and to promote behavioural change in the community. At the same period, some 30 amendments to the principal ordinances or subsidiary regulations were also introduced. I will now give a brief account of what we have done and plan to do in several key areas of our work.

Improving Air Quality

In respect of improving air quality, in the past few years we have made tremendous efforts to reduce emissions from power plants, which are a major source of local emissions. Starting in 2005, we have progressively tightened the emission caps of power plants through signing new Scheme of Control Agreements with the power companies and amending the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. In 2010, the cap on sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the power sector was tightened by 67 per cent. We will keep up the effort to further tighten the emission caps from 2015 onwards by 34 to 50 per cent from the 2010 levels with a view to minimising the pollution caused by power generation.

Air pollution at the roadside is also a major focus of our efforts. We have tightened the statutory specifications of vehicle and industrial fuels to those of the most advanced countries. To reduce roadside air pollution, we intend to raise vehicle exhaust emission standards to the Euro V level. Through subsidies and tax concessions, we encourage owners of diesel commercial vehicles to replace their old vehicles with new ones, and vehicle buyers to choose more environment-friendly cars. With regard to the transport trades, the Government is conducting a trial of retrofitting selective catalytic reduction devices on Euro II and Euro III buses, as well as subsidising franchised bus companies to undertake trials of hybrid and electric buses. The ultimate policy objective is to adopt zero-emission buses across the territory. The $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund has been effective in encouraging the transport sector to try out green and innovative transport technologies. Within less than a year after its launch, the Fund has received a very positive response with 24 applications approved and grants totalling over $60 million.

The various measures have brought fruitful results. Monitoring data showed that between 2006 and 2010, the ambient concentration of SO2 and respirable suspended particulates (RSP) had dropped by 45 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Through the joint efforts of the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong, the air quality of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region has improved following implementation of a range of regional emission reduction measures. From 2006 to 2010, the levels of SO2, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and RSP in the region dropped by 47 per cent, 7 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

Looking ahead, the high concentration of NO2 at the roadside is the most prominent air pollution problem facing us. Between 2006 and 2010, the roadside concentration of NO2 increased by 22 per cent. Since emissions of NO2 from poorly maintained petrol and LPG vehicles constitute a major source of roadside air pollution, the Government has proposed to use roadside remote sensing equipment to screen out petrol and LPG vehicles with excessive emissions. The owners of such vehicles will be required to take corrective actions. To facilitate vehicle owners in adapting to the more stringent emissions control, Government will seek approval from the Finance Committee soon for an allocation of $150 million to replace the catalytic converters and associated components of LPG taxis and light buses.

As a result of reduction in emissions from land-based sources and increase in movements of marine vessels, emissions from the latter account for an increasing proportion of Hong Kong’s total emissions. Marine vessels have become the largest local source of RSP emissions, and the second largest emission source of SO2 and nitrogen oxides after power plants. It is therefore necessary to introduce appropriate measures to control such emissions with a view to further improving regional air quality. In last year’s Policy Address, we announced an initiative to explore with the governments of Guangdong, Shenzhen and Macao proposals for requiring ocean-going vessels to switch to low-sulphur diesel while berthing in PRD waters, and setting up an Emission Control Area in the region. We will also discuss with the trades to improve the quality of marine fuels sold locally so as to reduce vessel emissions.

To encourage ocean-going vessels to switch to cleaner fuels when berthing in Hong Kong waters, the Government proposes to reduce by half the port facilities and light dues charged on ocean-going vessels which switch to low-sulphur diesel at berth. The proposed waiver scheme will run for three years and is estimated to cost up to $260 million in terms of public revenue forgone. The Environmental Protection Department and Marine Department are drawing up implementation arrangements for the proposal. At the same time, we will also start discussions with relevant authorities in the PRD region on regional control of marine emissions.

Another important task before us is to update the Air Quality Objectives (AQOs). The new AQOs are set in accordance with air quality targets of the World Health Organization (WHO). Four out of the seven major pollutants, namely NO2, carbon monoxide, lead and SO2, have fully or partly adopted WHO’s ultimate air quality targets, and are broadly on a par with the standards of other advanced regions such as the European Union and the United States. We shall embark on the necessary legislative exercise to implement the new AQOs and the relevant transitional arrangements. Our intention is to introduce the Bill in the LegCo session of 2012-13 and to make the new AQOs statutory standards by 2014. We will also review every five years the feasibility of tightening the AQOs. In addition, to demonstrate the Government’s commitment and to take the lead in applying the new AQOs, the Government has decided that for public works projects with environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies not yet commenced, they will endeavour to adopt the new AQOs as the yardstick for air quality assessments. This will allow newly planned public works projects to align with the more stringent requirements on air quality at the earliest opportunity.

Solid Waste Management

I now turn to waste management which is an imminent issue that we have to work on. The three strategic landfills are expected to approach full capacity one by one in 2014, 2016 and 2018. Our complete reliance on landfilling to handle nearly 10,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) on a daily basis is certainly not sustainable.

Early last year, Government put forward a basket of specific measures under the management strategy, which included proposals on waste reduction and recycling as well as development of modern treatment facilities. Our target is to raise the MSW recovery rate to 55 per cent by 2015. Our policy initiatives on “Reduce and Recycle”, together with extension of landfills as well as introduction of modern treatment facilities, are essential elements in our holistic plan of ensuring proper MSW management. They are intertwined as indispensable components of our comprehensive strategy.

With the continuous expansion of the Source Separation of Waste Programmes, our MSW recovery rate increased from 45 per cent in 2006 to 52 per cent in 2010, which overshoots the original target laid down in 2005. It is comparable to that of other cities at a similar level of development. This could not be achieved without the concerted efforts of the entire community. With the enactment of the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance in 2008, we are progressively introducing mandatory producer responsibility schemes (PRSs) under this legal framework. In 2009, we implemented the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags (PSBs). The PSB distribution from the 3,000 registered retail outlets covered by the Levy Scheme dropped by as much as 90 per cent. As the next step, in a bid to promote waste reduction at source, we will expedite our work in making legislative proposals to extend the Levy Scheme to cover all local retailers, and to implement a PRS on waste electrical and electronic equipment.

As I just mentioned, introducing modern treatment facilities and timely expansion of the landfills are essential waste management measures. Experience in Europe and other developed cities shows that, even with the implementation of various measures on waste reduction at source, there is still a substantial amount of waste that cannot be recovered which requires treatment. In the context of Hong Kong, even if the target recovery rate of 55 per cent is achieved, there will still be about 8,000 tonnes of MSW that cannot be recovered or recycled and which requires treatment on a daily basis. We are developing a Sludge Treatment Facility which employs state-of-the-art incineration technology. It is expected to be commissioned in 2013. By then, daily disposal of sludge at landfills will be reduced by nearly 1,000 tonnes. It will also demonstrate how modern technology can serve as an effective means in tackling the problem of MSW. Our next step is to discuss our plans on the development of the Integrated Waste Treatment Facilities, and the extension of the three existing landfills in the LegCo. I look forward to discussing the proposed projects with Members in details with a view to coming up with a practicable way forward.

Green Economy

Lastly, I would like to take the opportunity to share our thoughts on the development of environmental industries. I am delighted to find there has been a promising growth in this sector. The value added and employment of environmental industries in 2010 recorded a growth close to 20 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively over 2009. We will continue our heavy investment in environmental infrastructures, thereby creating jobs and generating business opportunities for the environmental protection and engineering sectors. Besides, Government has been providing impetus to the development of industries and profession related to environmental protection by setting up the EcoPark, promotion of electric vehicles, enacting legislation on buildings energy efficiency, and taking the lead in going green. We will also continue to support the industry’s participation in such activities as environmental exhibitions and trade missions to help build collaboration platform with local and overseas enterprises. With more facilitating policies and measures rolled out, I am confident that green industries in Hong Kong will continue to flourish.

Conclusion

Chairman, the Government will continue to enhance its environmental strategies and take proactive actions to transform Hong Kong into a green city offering quality living. I look forward to receiving the LegCo’s continued support in pursuit of our policies and measures in the coming financial year. Chairman, I welcome Members to put forward their questions on this part of the Estimates and, together with the Permanent Secretary and other colleagues, I would be pleased to answer Members’ questions.

Source: Hong Kong SAR Government

Website: news.gov.hk
Copyright 2012 Hong Kong Government News, distributed by Contify.com
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Leung Chun-ying could be named by default

Hong Kong’s chief executive selection process was restored to a semblance of order last week after Beijing’s original choice, former Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang, basically made himself unselectable.

Beijing did not anticipate skeletons leaping out of the cupboards of their two approved candidates. Due diligence was overlooked. Even less did they anticipate Tang being so inept at handling a series of crises including having dug himself an illegal basement structure at the same time he was in charge of policing illegal structures, costing him respect and credibility.

Because Tang was lost beyond rescue and because property surveyor Leung Chun-Ying was not favored by the city’s oligarchs and its powerful civil service, two more hopefuls almost joined the race – which would have made the circus spin out of control.

The selection criteria requires the winning candidate to secure at least 601 votes from the electoral college of 1,200. Multiple contenders would have messed the carefully calibrated calculus. That was not in the script.

Tsang Yok-sing, president of the Legislative Council, pulled out just before nominations closed. He was advised to do so. The pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, or DAB had ‘reserved’ a block of 140 votes pending his decision.

Regina Ip failed to secure the minimum 150 nominations from tycoons, functional constituencies and the DAB – Beijing’s largest above-ground representatives in the Legislative Council and a potent voting block in the Election Committee for chief executive. The baggage Ip carries made the puppet masters nervous. No nod for her.

This was a moment of truth for the former secretary for security, who fancied herself the most competent chief executive choice. The DAB has not forgiven her ingratitude after being gifted its support in the 2008 Hong Kong Island constituency election. The professional constituencies showed her the door.

Oligarchs want Henry to stay. Citizens say nay

It was a disastrous few weeks for Henry Tang. But despite negative feedback from the daily press, disillusioned supporters and the polls, candidate Tang carries on like nothing happened.

The 18 Feb edition of The Economist has him as the “sort of amiable, vaguely trustworthy duffer…” which sums up Henry.

At the first debate held 3 March featuring the three chief executive hopefuls at City University, before a 500-strong audience of the public and environmental activists, the post-debate votes re-confirmed Henry Tang’s rejection – he got 2 percent whereas CY Leung received 63 percent while Albert Ho of the Democratic Party had 23 percent.

Everyone knows that the Democratic Party is unacceptable to Beijing. Albert Ho had earlier jokingly told the Financial Times of London that if he ever got selected by the 1,200 electoral college, it would be finally revealed that he is a mole of the Communist Party.

It will be a huge relief for Hong Kong to be spared Henry Tang. China has to whisper to the selectors accordingly. It cannot risk another massive street march like the 2003 outrage which felled Tung Chee-hwa and Regina Ip for attempting to pass into legislation the flawed Article 23 Security Bill, which would have done away with significant legal and human rights freedoms.

It proved even then that a rubber-stamp legislature to enforce Beijing’s diktat in Hong Kong is not the way to rule. The territory’s citizens are acutely aware of their rights and will face down any government that schemes to whittle away its existing freedoms of assembly, protest and press. So long as Hong Kong is denied the universal franchise promised in the Basic Law, its citizens will remain suspicious and super-vigilant.

Public unforgiving of oligarch-govt collusion

There is a sea-change in public attitudes to the privileged elites. Their ability to flout rules which ordinary citizens have to live by is being aggressively challenged.

The widening wealth gap, unaffordable housing, lack of a safety net for the poorest and enormous budget surpluses not being used to address systemic problems, all rankle. It speaks of an administration badly out of touch with the people it rules.

The rough treatment incumbent chief executive Donald Tsang got in the press and in the Legislative Council for sneakily consorting with tycoons aboard luxury yachts and private jets, and accepting a penthouse below market rent for retirement, was a signal lesson for legislators, civil servants and the next chief executive.

The simmering resentment against big business-government collusion has erupted too strongly for a return to ‘business as usual’.

CY Leung right man at the right time?

Hong Kong lost 15 years through incompetent leaders appointed by Beijing. Tung Chee-hwa was a washout and Donald Tsang a nervous schoolboy waiting to be scolded on ‘work-report’ trips to Beijing. He will be thrashed royally this time round.

Neither had the charisma, conviction nor confidence to drive policies forward to make Hong Kong a better place for its residents. Henry Tang if selected, would stretch that dismal record to 20 years of treading water.

The scandals that crushed Tang’s ambition and ruined Tsang’s legacy, did enormous good in surfacing fundamental issues about the purpose of government and public accountability of officials.

CY Leung has conducted a measured and dignified campaign so far. Accusations of conflict of interest from 10 years ago in the process of bidding for the East Kowloon project across the harbor from the Central District, which seem to have been blown out of proportion by government officials eager to help out the property oligarchs by smearing his campaign, didn’t not rile the public as badly as Henry Tang’s illegal basement and limp denials.

CY is not damned. He has invested serious time visiting the grass-roots to appreciate the needs of the neglected sectors of HK society. He is thoughtful, does his homework and crafts programs which he should now be articulating more forcefully. It is these very qualities which make the oligarchs nervous.

Leung does not need to keep proving his loyalty to Beijing – a constant distraction which drained Donald Tsang. If anyone can speak for Hong Kong and be heard in Beijing, Leung can.

No time to waste

Budget surpluses are there to be deployed judiciously for social good and equitable economic growth. That is a principle the property and construction cartels vehemently oppose. They would rather pour concrete for highways, runways, railways and bridges at huge public expense whether needed or not.

It is the public purse that the cartels in each of these industries scheme to stream into their pockets with the collusion of government. It is time for Hong Kong to plot a new course. The cozy government-big business nexus has to be curbed. A fairer distribution of opportunity and access has to include a broader swathe of small entrepreneurs and medium sized businesses. Housing affordability for the poor and the middle class has to be addressed. It is just too fundamental to be neglected any longer. What about the irresponsible 20-year dodge on improving air quality and reducing traffic pollution? What about fair competition rules to bust cartels?

What about the wasteful Trade Development Corporation running trade exhibitions which the private sector can manage without government subsidies?

If Leung addresses these long-neglected issues in a forthright way, he can reinvigorate Hong Kong and gain the respect of its business sector and residents. He has to carry a big stick to get the civil service moving. They are masters at forming committees to ‘study’ issues and waste time as a tactic for inaction.

He must find a competent and respected chief secretary to replace the woefully inadequate and inarticulate Stephen Lam. He will need an effective civil service overlord who can lead projects, inspire teams and make things happen at speed.

There are also too many consultants feeding at the trough. It will be useful to make all their reports open to public scrutiny. Why should consultant reports on public projects remain government secrets? How many of these consultants are proxies for big business interests?

Is the practice of hiring consultants for every new initiative necessary? Is the civil service incapable of evaluating projects and implementing action plans? CY has to hack through all that fast.

The next chief executive has his work cut out for him. If he gets his act together quickly he can re-energize Hong Kong. He may even get reelected by a landslide through universal franchise in 2017. The one mistake he should not make is to revive the Article 23 Security Bill which HK citizens unequivocally rejected in 2003.

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West not East
written by Dark Knight, March 05, 2012

It was the West Kowloon project they tried to shaft Leung about. Meanwhile the release has opened a can of worms, the Foster submission was disqualified then somehow remarkably won, a gwailo juror was found to have not declared serious business deals of his company with Foster in two UK jobs and lo and behold who was the Chairman of the West Kowloon authority when Sheffield made an abrupt departure because of alleged interference – Yes Henry the duffer. Meanwhile:
http://casinoleaks-macau.com/2-21-2012.html

and from an ICAC conference submission in 2005:
‘“From the outset, we should recognise that conflict of interest is largely a “perception” issue. That is, it is not a matter of whether you think you have done the right thing. What matters is whether the public thinks you have done the right thing. When determining whether a conflict of interest has arisen, one test we can practically apply is whether you are prepared to discuss the situation openly – the so-called “sunshine test”. In the last analysis, the onus is on you to prove that you have acted properly.”

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