Implementation of the National Emission Reduction Plan of Ukraine was discussed during the hearings in the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management

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Implementation of the National Emission Reduction Plan of Ukraine was discussed during the hearings in the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management

Information Department of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariat
Published on 21 January 2021, at 12:15

Committee hearings on the topic: "Implementation of measures to green large combustion plants and reduce pollutant emissions - the path to clean air in Ukraine" were held in the Committee on Environmental Policy and Environmental Management.

Opening the meeting, the moderator of the hearings – Chairperson of the Sub-committee on Climate Change and Protection of Atmospheric Air of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Lesia Vasylenko stressed the urgency of implementing the National Plan of Ukraine on Emission Reduction (NPER) for large combustion plants. Lesia Vasylenko. Lesia Vasylenko also stressed that the task of the hearings is “to look for ways to correct past mistakes and to include in the recommendation specific provisions on who and in what timeframe should do so that we can embark on the path of implementation of the NPER.”

The sitting was attended by MPs, representatives of relevant ministries and state bodies, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, international partners, representatives of the public, business and scientists.

Deputy Minister of Energy Maxim Nemchinov stressed the complexity of the topic under discussion and, at the same time, noted: “We are committed to fulfilling our commitments to our European partners and the commitments we made when concluding the Association Agreement with the European Union. Implementation of the NPER is one of the conditions for the implementation of this agreement. We need to find a model and mechanism for fulfilling emission reduction commitments and modernizing the national energy development plan in line with environmental commitments.” He also informed about the measures necessary for the implementation of the national plan and the state of their implementation.

The position of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources on digital development, digital transformations and digitalization was presented by Deputy Minister Ruslan Strelets. He reminded that about 70% of all harmful emissions into the atmosphere are caused by industrial and energy facilities. In Ukraine, the state of air pollution remains unsatisfactory, which causes irreparable damage to human health. Ruslan Strelets also stressed that, first of all, it is necessary to understand the country's energy strategy and then decide on the timing and model of environmental measures.

Chairperson of the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Oleh Bondarenko stressed: “We are consistently and persistently at the forefront of the struggle for a clean environment, in particular, the struggle for clean air.” Oleg Bondarenko informed that the Committee is considering a bill to reduce the impact of industrial pollution, which is scheduled to be considered next plenary week. The Cabinet of Ministers is also expected to amend the law on air protection in the near future.

The position of the Committee on Economic Development was expressed by its Chairperson Dmytro Natalukha. “The story of a green economy, a clean economy, is more relevant than ever. This trend has not gone anywhere. However, it is not a fact that our industry is ready for such large-scale and global changes,” he said, noting that resources are needed for the modification. Dmytro Natalukha informed that this year the Committee on Economic Development together with the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management plans to start consultations with leading financial and industrial groups to convince them that the green economy and green industry are not a threat to them, but a great opportunity to attract European investment. The Chairman of the Committee also stressed that he was ready to provide all possible support to Ukrainian industry for a painless transition to green technologies and emission reductions, approaching the requirements set by the entire civilized world.

In general, the participants of the discussion emphasized the need to implement the NPER, develop mechanisms for its financing and provided their recommendations and suggestions.