A drastic measure to significantly improve the air quality and to protect the health of the local citizens in the Metropolitan area is to take effect soon, as the Ministry of Environment proclaimed on Oct. 31, 2002, of its plan for legislation of the Special Measure on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement.

Key features of this measure include strengthening of preventive management mechanisms like the total maximum loading system of pollutants, establishment of management system that takes into account the pervasive nature of air pollution, and drastic reduction of vehicle-generated pollutants.

For large factories or businesses that operate a large number of vehicles, a low-emission vehicles will become mandatory in the city. Also, motor vehicle manufacturers and producers in the Metropolitan area will be obligated to manufacture and sell a certain number of low-emission vehicles, and large factories and facilities operating in the Metropolitan area will be obligated to purchase a certain number of vehicles in return.

The Ministry of Environment will have a 20 days of notice and go thorough examinations and reviews by various committees before a arriving at a final resolution. It plans to submit the draft law to the National Assembly at the end of this year. If the examination and final resolution by the National Assembly goes as planned , the new legislation should take effect sometime in January, 2004.

The full text of the Special Measure on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement can be viewed at the Ministry of Environment webpage (www.me.go.kr), under Laws and Ordinances. Also, anyone can voice their suggestion on the draft law.