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OECD Environmental Policy

CommitteeAccession Review of Israel

21.10.2009

Dr. Yossi Inbar - Director General Valerie Brachya – Consultant

Ministry of Environmental Protection

www.environment.gov.il

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WaterResource Management

C(89)12, C(78)4, C(74)220

Sources Surface and underground water resources owned

and managed by national water authority 95% sewage collected, 90% treated and 75% reused

for agricultural irrigation. Upgraded for unrestricted agricultural use

Desalination of brackish and marine waterPricing Water price reflects abstraction and marginal costs,

with differentiated tariffs related to consumption levels and type of user

2009 drought levy imposed on domestic users Ministry of EP empowered to establish river or

stream authorities for ecological improvement and pollution prevention

Accepts

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WaterPollution Prevention

C(74)221

Standards Regulations imposed to reduce salinity, restrict

heavy metals and set pH levels for industrial effluents & sewage sludge

Stricter regulations on 36 pollutants in effluents awaiting approval

Regulations to restrict approx 50 priority organic contaminants in preparation

Constraints on pollution sources Interministerial guidelines to reduce pollution from

farming Legislation on pollution prevention from oil storage

tanks and soil remediation in preparation

Accepts

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EnergyFuels and Efficiency

C(85)102, C(77)109, C(85)101, C(76)162, C(79)117

Electricity production Currently (2009) 65% coal, 32% natural gas (will increase to

40-50% from offshore fields, LNG); generating capacity 10,000 MW, expected to double by 2020 if BAU

3% energy demand saved through domestic solar water heating

10% renewables target by 2020 (Government issued tender for 250MW thermo-solar)

Electricity Authority sets prices, including incentive for renewables based on pollution prevented

Efficiency Energy efficiency target 20% reduction by 2020 compared to

BAU Mandatory energy efficiency regulations on new appliances Voluntary energy efficiency building standard (mandatory in

future) Government established research fund: $100million over 5

years to promote RE+EE

Accepts

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EnergyPollution Prevention

Pollution controls Business license - operational conditions on power

stations Clean Air Act - emission permits (2011) Abatement of Nuisances Regulations – reductions of

SO2, NOX and particulates in line with EU directive (6 years - need reserve capacity to enable retrofit)

Low sulfur coal, high stacks for dispersion, scrubbers on 2 units and will be fitted on others, electrostatic precipitators on stacks, monitoring networks

Integration of environment and energy Integration through NBPB masterplan for power

stations, including EIA

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IPPCC(90)164

Already implemented Adopted 2006 to be applied to 150 installations

through Business Licenses Implementation in process in industrial hotspots:

Ramat Hovav, Haifa Bay, in future - Ashdod Separate permits required for marine discharge,

hazardous materials, air emissions (2011) BAT and monitoring required Enforcement by Ministry of EP EIA on major plants and industrial areasRoadmap for full implementation of IPPC 2009: consultant 2010: preparation 2011: implementation by sectors

AcceptsTimeframe

2011

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Noise C(85)103, C(78)73

Transport noise No manufacture of vehicles Adopted EU vehicle noise standards Aircraft require noise certificates National masterplans include noise regulations around

airports, along flight paths and along surface transportation,

Surface transportation (road and rail) standards adopted by government decision

Other noise sources Regulations on products and their use Abatement regulations:

noise in residential areas construction noise

Accepts

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TransportC(74)218, C(2004)80

Planning NBPB national masterplan 35 supports urban development,

reduction of sprawl and efficient public transport National masterplan for integrated surface transport in

preparation Ministry of Transport allocated major investment to public

transport, including interurban rail and electrification of rail (6.4 billion €)

Ministry of Transport revised project appraisal to improve consideration of noise, air pollution and landscape protection

EIA of transportation projects includes evaluation of alternativesPollution control Traffic Ordinance - vehicle emission standards equivalent to EU 2009 green taxation imposed on vehicles and fuels according to

level of emissions 2009 tender issued for scrapping old vehicles

Accepts

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Tourism C(79)115

Planning NBPB national masterplan for tourism Planning constraints on building in attractive, sensitive

areas - coasts, landscape value Natural and cultural values protected by relevant

statutory authorities Strategy for sustainable tourism, including ecotourism,

submitted by Ministry of TourismGreening tourism Ministry of Tourism allocates grants for tourist use of

historic buildings, stream reclamation Promotion of green building/green management in

tourism by Ministries of Tourism and EP Hotels distribute information to visitors to encourage

water conservation

Accepts

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Coastal Zone ManagementC(76)161, C(92)114

Planning Coastal protection included in legislation on land use

planning, land management, nature protection and protection of antiquities

NBPB directive for national masterplan 1970, approved 1983 included 100m setback, restraints on development, designation of protected areas

NBPB masterplan for ports included sand bypassingPrevention of damage and pollution 2004 coastal law integrated coastal and marine

management and added public access, liability for damage to coastal resources and enforcement

Marine pollution prevention strictly enforced in accordance with Barcelona Convention

Accepts

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Biodiversity C(2004)81

Regulatory control Stringent controls through legislation on nature

protection National biodiversity strategic action plan to be

submitted to government 2010 Planning authorities impose biodiversity

conservation conditions on infrastructure plansEconomic instruments Specific cases of compensation to farmers for losses

and to encourage ecotourism 2009 new Landscape Fund in Lands Authority for

change of land use

AcceptsTimeframe

2011

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Material Flows and Resource Productivity

C(2004)79, C(2008)40

Natural resources Few natural resources, mineral or biomass Phosphates, Dead Sea minerals, aggregatesIndicators Information on material flows and stocks not

currently available Industry willing to participate in indicators and

resource accounting Ministry of EP and CBS recognize need for data

on tracking stocks and flows, aware of gaps, will participate in OECD activities

AcceptsTimeframe

?

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Polluter Pays PrincipleC(72)128, C(74)223, C(89)881

No major barriers Environment not a non tariff barrier No subsidy on energy, no tax on coal

Increasing implementation Polluter pays Law 2008 imposes fines 1993 Hazardous Substances Law –

differentiated fee for permit based on risk Fines on illegal marine discharge Increased fines for emissions - Clean Air Act

(2011)

Accepts

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Economic InstrumentsC(90)177

Instruments for waste disposal Landfill levy Deposit refund on beverage containers Levy of PET drink containers EPR on manufacturers and importers of tyres Green taxation Differential taxation on fuels and vehicles in relation to emissionsEnvironmental funds Levy on extraction to Quarry Reclamation Fund Fee on ships to Marine Pollution Prevention FundEconomic incentives Premiums and feed-in tariffs for renewable energy Promotion of green buildingInstruments in process Liability for contaminated land – legislation to be submitted by end

2010 Levies on permitted air emissions from 2011 Incorporation of environmental risks as financial risks by financial

regulators

Accepts

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Public Environmental Expenditure C(2006)84

Ministerial budgets and work programmes - according to PMO guidelines for results accountability and available to public

Preparing measurable indicators (2011) Targeted funds exist for Marine Pollution,

Cleanliness, Animal Protection, Quarry Reclamation

Review of practice in relation to annex will be undertaken (2010/11)

AcceptsTimefram

e 2011

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Greening public procurement C(2002)3

2008 amendment to mandatory tenders law - preference to purchase products accredited by international or Israeli authority or practice

Workplan to accredit at least 10 items a year, commonly purchased by Ministries

Environmental criteria are incorporated into government tenders, eg. desalination

Government purchasing preference to recycled, trade-in products and hybrid vehicles

AcceptsTimefram

e 2010

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Environmental Impact Assessment C(79)116, C(74)216

Statutory planning requirement EIA (including EIS document) required under

planning legislation 1982, revised 2003 Includes project guidelines, consideration of

alternatives, review Required on public and private development Database EIA available to public on Ministry of EP

website, EIS open to public when plan deposited EIA not necessarily required where planning permit

not required or where decision taken prior to planning

Accepts

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Environmental Performance of Government

C(96)39

EIA required on public development Ministerial Sustainable Development

strategies Public Companies annual report on

environmental performance to their directorates

Government decision requiring reduction of paper, water and electricity in government expected 2010

NBPB acts as important coordinating mechanism

Accepts

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Environmental InformationC(98)67, C(79)114, C(90)165

Availability of Information Available to public on Ministry of EP and CBS websites, including

15 metrics of sustainable development No integrated database available on pressures, conditions,

responses to show changes/monitor policy Ministry of EP initiating programme to provide information

infrastructure: 2009: update 15 metrics 2010: identify gaps, submit 1st SOE to

government 2011: environmental outlook, EPR to government

Access to Information 2009 regulations under Freedom of Information Law specify 22

clauses for public access to environmental information Financial regulators require environmental risk disclosure by

public companies, banks, investments

AcceptsTimeframe

2011

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Transfrontier PollutionC(78)77, C(77)28, C(74)224, C(76)55, C(81)32

Declaration: Currently, Israel does not share a common frontier with any OECD member country

Multilateral 22 MEA’s signed and ratified, 7 awaiting ratification CP to Barcelona Convention for Mediterranean and

applies same to Eilat Bay LBS discharge to marine area according to permits,

tighter restrictions, levy by end 2010Bilateral 18 bilateral agreements Environment in Peace Accord with Jordan Environment in Interim Agreement with PA

Accepts

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Development CooperationC(89)2, C(86)26, C(85)104

Assistance Given Capacity building and training in agriculture,

water, medical emergency, environment Major infrastructure projects not funded Training on sustainable development, marine

pollution prevention, pest managementChecklist Will establish framework for environmental

assessment according to the checklist (2010)

AcceptsTimeframe

2010

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Declarations C(85)11, C(79)121, C/M(74)26, C/MIN(2009)5/ADD1,

C/MIN(2009)5/ADD1, C(2006)94

Environmental governance 1973 government decision established environmental

protection service EIA since 1982, revised 2003 1988 Ministry of EQ established (later EP) Local environmental units established for implementation Civil Society involvement expanded through representation on

planning and other committees, and rights of objectionGreen growth: 2006: government decision - water tech 21.8m € 2008: government decision - renewables 72.7m € 2009: government decision - waste 5.4m € Proposed government decision to promote environmental

technologiesDevelopment cooperation Through capacity building with emphasis on water

conservation and combating desertification

Associates

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Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Marine and Coastal Barcelona Convention for the Mediterranean MARPOL OPRC Fishing and conservation of living resources of high seas Agreement on conservation and management of straddling fish

stocks and highly migratory fish stocksNature protection Convention for Biological Diversity Conservation of migratory species of wild animals International trade in endangered species Wetlands important as waterfowl habitats Protection of new varieties of plants WhalingOther Climate change – Kyoto protocol Combating desertification Protection of world cultural and natural heritage

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Israel’s commitment to Climate Change

• Israel is a signatory to Kyoto and regards itself as an active partner in global efforts

• Limited alternatives to fossil fuels and relatively high rates of population and economic growth compared to most OECD countries

• Government decision requires an interministerial committee to submit a National Mitigation Action Plan by mid 2010. Consultant (McKinsey) preparing carbon abatement cost curve for Israel for identifying cost efficient measures - based on accepted global methodologies

• Increased natural gas, active encouragement of EE and RE will be significant measures

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McKinsey preliminary cost curve

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McKinsey preliminary cost curve

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Factors limiting emissions reduction

Current policy prevent use of Nuclear Power

No option of Hydroelectric Power Limited capacity for Wind Power No current possibility of Carbon

Capture and Storage Limited area for Thermo-Solar (2

hectares for 1 installed MW)

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Government commitments to EE and RE

10% RE by 2020 20% reduction in demand by EE by

2020 $100 million research fund 220 MW thermo solar + 50MW PV

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Israel’s Statement on Climate Change

Active implementation of UNFCCC Establishment of ambitious long-term

comprehensive low emissions strategy Energy management policy Nationally appropriate GHG mitigation actions Active participation in OECD discussions 2nd national communication by mid 2010 - non

annex 1 Future national communications - annex 1 as

appropriate Participation in COP 15 in Copenhagen Efforts made to join negotiating group

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