Environment protection is accelerating
VIET NAM SEEKS NEW FUELS
Ha Noi, Jan. 25 (VNA) -- Viet Nam is seeking to limit the use of fossil fuels and develop replacements so as to reduce environmental pollution, says Deputy Science, Technology and Environment Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen.
He says the ministry has helped the government issue policies aimed at accelerating environmental protection, including those that encourage the development of new and cleaner fuel sources.
The government has published criteria to limit polluting emission as well as measures for their enforcement and is now seeking measures to increase inspection and control as well as to punish violators.
The Deputy Minister says that the principle "Polluters must pay investment for pollution clearance" is also being taken.
In addition, the government has issued criteria governing the lead and perfume content of petrol and provided a mechanism to ensure imported fuel oil containing 1.5 percent rather than 3 percent sulphur.
The Deputy Minister says the ministry has cooperated with relevant ministries and agencies to implement a national programme to save energy and ensure clean production. The use of natural gas to save energy has been encouraged together with the development of new fuels and clean fuel sources.
The government has reduced tax and subsidized prices for the import and use of transport that uses less energy or clean energy to replace fossil fuel sources.
This includes the banning of imported vehicles using leaded petrol since the beginning of January this year.
Viet Nam consumed about 1.5 million tonnes of fuel emitting almost 113,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide last year. The country's energy consumption rises about 11 percent each year. In 1998, total petrol used by the Transport and Communications Ministry increased twice and fuel oil thrice over 1990.--VNA
