Climate and energy transition

The regions of Northern Italy have agreed to work together to reduce air pollution on their territories. In a draft agreement signed on 7 February 2007, Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and the autonomous provinces of Trentino and Bolzano commit themselves to adopt a common anti air pollution strategy.

 

The first concrete step will be a car-free day, on 25 February. Other measures include the prohibition of the most polluting vehicles by 2010, compulsory antiparticles filters on diesel vehicles and boosting the use of the underground and of buses, especially non-polluting buses.

 

The president of Piedmont and chair of the Italian association of CEMR (AICCRE), Mercedes Bresso recalled that it took us a long time to complete this pact. The first step was taken in October 2005; at the initiative of Piedmont, we signed a agreement to consult each other on the ways to implement EU standards in this field.

 

The Swiss canton of Tessin, bordering Northern Italy has joined the initiative though it will not be part of the car-free day.

 

The pact will be signed on Friday 8 February in Rome.