In Israel, as in the rest of the world, there are many factors that pollute the environment and affect quality of life. Responsibility for protecting clean air was previously dispersed among different authorities, until in 2008, several members of the Knesset and the NGO 'Adam, Nature and Law' decided to take action. This led to the enactment of the Clean Air Law, which came into effect in 2011. The law aims to ensure a better level of clean air not only in the long term but also in the short term.
Subjects and Regulations in the Clean Air Act
Emission permits - Since factories are the main contributors, they are required to obtain emission permits. Without a permit, they are not authorized to continue operations. Factories must minimize air pollution sources as much as possible, utilizing the most advanced technological solutions. The permit is renewed every seven years.
An air quality law will be based on three main values:
- Environment – Maintaining health.
- Warning - Alerting residents living near a pollutant and changes that occur leading to polluted air.
- Goal - To adapt systems so that they are as health-friendly as possible.
Unification and Authority - As mentioned, all matters regarding the handling of air pollution sources will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. At the same time, local authorities will have the right to enforce and take action to reduce air pollution sources in their surroundings.
Monitoring - The monitoring system will be carried out by a single entity and will be published in one place.
Sectoral industrial arrangements
It has been determined that all industrial sectors must comply with the Clean Air Law. These sectors include electricity, chemical industry, metal industry, pharmaceuticals, waste, and minerals. In addition, the Minister of Environmental Protection has the authority to provide financial incentives to factories that implement compliance in an optimal manner. To prevent situations where economic constraints make compliance impossible, the adjustments can be carried out over several years.
The regulations may change over time to better protect environmental quality. This approach helps prevent the development of additional areas with polluted air, such as the Haifa Bay. Furthermore, it is supported by the Net Metering system, which requires the electricity company to supply a certain percentage of electricity from solar systems.
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