Bulgaria to Allocate EU Funding of BGN 115 M to Fighting Air Pollution in Cities

Bulgaria will allocate a total of BGN 115 M under operational program Environment 2014-2020 for measures against air pollution, according to Deputy Environment Minister Pavel Gudzherov.

Gudzherov made clear Tuesday that the money would go to 29 Bulgarian municipalities which had reported very high levels of particle pollution.

He informed that these municipalities would be able to apply for EU funding for projects for clean air and sustainable public transport once the operational program for the 2014-2020 period was conclusively approved by the European Commission.

Speaking at the opening of a Eurocities Mobility Forum, Gudzherov explained that the measures under the program would be directed at reducing carbon emissions from household heating systems, the main air pollutant in Bulgarian cities, as well as public transportation emissions.

Bulgaria’s Deputy Environment Minister explained that the measures would include steps aimed at reducing the use of conventional fuels and the replacement of exhaust systems of public transport vehicles.

He declared that a total of BGN 309.9 M had been earmarked under operational program Environment 2007-2013 for improving air quality through environmentally-friendly public transport vehicles.

Gudzherov noted that the results from their work were easily noticeable in everyday life, including a more efficient, more comfortable, and more regular public transport, as well as cleaner air and environment, according to the press office of Bulgaria’s Environment Ministry, as cited by dnevnik.bg.

He also said that a total of 126 buses running on compressed natural gas had been delivered to the Sofia Municipality, adding that this would reduce carbon emissions by up to six times.

Gudzherov made clear that the newly supplied ten subway trains would lead to a reduction of harmful emissions by 2.78 thousand tonnes a year, while the 20 new tram trains would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5000 tonnes a year.

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