Plan for prevention of air pollution in Israel

According to the government decision, a National Plan for prevention and reduction of air pollution should be approved. The plan was supposed to include milestones for reducing air pollution in Israel between the years 2015 and 2020. A total sum of NIS 140 million was to be allocated during the years 2013-2017 in order to implement that national plan as outlined in the decision.

As at December 2016, the decision had been partially implemented - mostly its sections under the responsibility of the Ministry for Environmental Protection. As to the reduction of air pollution from transportation - most of the tasks outlined in the decision were not implemented, except for commencing a process to reduce air pollution caused by commuters by providing incentives for using public transport, in collaboration with the local authorities. As to the reduction of air pollution from electricity consumption, the Electricity Authority has conducted a professional investigation of the transition to a differential rate based on consumption levels (but finally recommended not to make the change to such a method), and the decision is currently being adjusted to include a smart enumeration system. As to the reduction of air pollution from industrial and housework emissions and an expansion of the knowledge base regarding air pollution in Israel - most of the activities listed in the decision have been implemented. In addition, a committee was formed to follow-up on the implementation of the government decision.