Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Goal-setting: The ZEBus Regulation in Cali-
fornia has a much more long-term vision than the
Air Pollution Control Regulations in relation to
the diesel-to-LPG scheme in Hong Kong. Al-
though both regulations target emission-control,
the ZEBus Regulation is more stringent than the
Air Pollution Control Regulations. By pursuing
the goal of zero-emission, the ZEBus Regulation
places pressure on the automotive industry to con-
tinuously search for the most innovative solution
to meet the highest target in a cost-efficient man-
ner (Porter and van der Linde, 1995a and 1995b).
Although the Air Pollution Control Regulations in
Hong Kong are designed to keep the latest local
fuel and emission requirements in tandem with
those set for motor vehicles in Japan, EU and
USA, it is still not as stringent as the zero-target.
Further, there is more uncertainty about when
and how these standards will change in those
countries. The Air Pollution Control Regulations
are inclined towards the LPG option (see Table
4). Although LPG is a cleaner option, it does not
encourage the taxi trade to continuously search
for other better options.
The ZEBus Regulation is more closely aligned
with statewide regulations and policy objectives
which vigorously pursue aggressive environmen-
tal goals and drastic actions for environmental
improvements, as compared with the Air Pollu-
tion Control Regulations. The early goal set by
the ZEBus Regulation for emission reduction is
closely connected with the ZEV Mandate 2 , which
aligns with the goal for long-term improvement
of air quality in California (Collantes and Sper-
ling, 2008). The latest draft recommends that the
Regulation aligns with the broader regulatory
objectives set by the ZEV Mandate 1 , by expanding
the existing goal of emission reduction to address
climate change and GHG reduction. The Air Pol-
lution Control Regulations in Hong Kong also
align with other broader policy objectives such
as the comprehensive vehicular emission control
policy package which aims at reducing emissions
broader policy package focusses narrowly on
emission reduction and fails to deal with critical
issues such as climate change. The Air Pollution
Control Regulations in Hong Kong are therefore
much more limited in inducing TEIs that offer a
higher potential for environmental improvement
than the California ZEBus Regulation.
Process-based: The ZEBus Regulation is sup-
ported by a process-based rule-making process
which includes preparing, drafting, reviewing,
and enacting the regulation (CARB, 2010b).
Procedures for consultation with the regulated
industries and the public are formalized. Further,
the process-based regulatory system ensures that
the Regulation is constantly updated based on ac-
curate technology assessment of the commercial
readiness of the technology and stakeholder's
feedback (CARB, 2009d). As such, the Regula-
tion enacted is more reflective of the constraints
and opportunities of the technology market, and
more responsive to the expectations of stakehold-
ers. The process-based regulatory approach has
at least two distinctive advantages in relation to
innovation and cost. By adjusting the regulatory
requirements based on the updated technology
assessment and feedback, the amended regulatory
target can better take into account any market
barriers and other constraints encountered by
stakeholders. For instance, in the latest amend-
ment, the CARB have identified a constraint
encountered by the regulated transit agencies, and
have ruled that the 15% purchase requirement be
delayed until the technology achieves commercial-
readiness (CARB, 2009d). The delay in regulatory
implementation shields the transit agencies from
additional cost due to market immaturity, and al-
lows the regulated parties to search for the first
best option that meet the regulatory requirement.
In Hong Kong, environmental regulations are
not supported by a process-based regulatory sys-
tem. There is no guarantee that the public or regu-
lated stakeholders will be thoroughly consulted
prior to and throughout the regulatory process.
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