Hong Kong’s Council for Sustainable Development published a report on Better Air Quality with 14 recommendations for the Government to take forward in regard to issues such as electricity generation and emissions generated by various sources.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Rafael Hui, also Chairman of the Council, said the Council would follow up with a public engagement process in 2007 to gauge public views on the issues identified that required concerted action by the relevant sectors and the community at large.

The Report on Better Air Quality is based on the study conducted by the Council's Study Group chaired by the Council Vice-Chairman, Dr. Edgar Cheng. It seeks to identify the key issues relevant to Hong Kong's long-term sustainability and contributing to the air quality of Hong Kong.

Dr. Sarah Liao, Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, pointed out that the Government had been working hand in hand with the Council on the subject. Some proposed measures had already been taken up and were announced in the 2006-07 Policy Address, such as encouraging owners of old diesel commercial vehicles to replace their old vehicles by offering one-off grant, providing tax incentives to encourage the use of environment friendly private cars, as well as a comprehensive study to review Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives.

Mr. Stephen Ip, the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, added that the Government would continue its efforts to follow up on relevant measures in the Report while maintaining a safe and reliable electricity supply to Hong Kong.