Malaysia: Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations

These Regulations set emission and effluent discharge limits.  They limited emissions from motor vehicles except for motorcycles (which generally make up more than half of all registered motor vehicles in Malaysia)

Date Implemented: 1978

Status: In Force; Mandatory

References: National Communication to the UNFCCC

Malaysia: Environmental Quality Act

This act provides for the prevention, abatement, and control of pollution through licensing, and mandates the conducting of an Environmental Assessment Report for proposed public and private sector projects to determine and prevent or prepare for the environmental consequences of the project. It was brought into effect with the implementation of a subsequent set of specific regulations and laws.

Date Implemented: 1974, ‘85 & ‘95

Malaysia: Energy efficiency guidelines

The Malaysian government negotiates with building contractors, manufacturers and suppliers to promote the use of energy efficient materials and equipment.

Date Implemented: 1989

Status: In Force; Mandatory

References: National Communication to the UNFCCC; ASEAN Center for Energy: Malaysia, Guidelines on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Malaysia: National Policy on the Environment

The aim of this policy is to lead Malaysia in developing its economy and exploiting its natural resources in a sustainable fashion, with the participation of all sectors of society in the conservation efforts

Status: In Force; Framework Policy

References: National Communication to the UNFCCC; Department of Environment, National Policy
http://www.jas.sains.my/jas/NPOTE/content_intro.htm

Costa Rica: Rational Use of Energy Law

Costa Rica has adopted a U.S. based model of energy efficiency standards and labels for residential appliances. Designed to regulate their energy consumption, appliances must carry informational labels that give the model’s adjusted volume and annual energy consumption.

Date Implemented: 1996

Status: Mandatory

Costa Rica: Vehicle Transit Act

Costa Rica has instituted strict emissions requirements for imported vehicles and will not release them without an emissions statement from the country of origin.

Status: In Force; Mandatory

References: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

Costa Rica: Urban Planning Law

This law regulates the country’s housing and urbanization policies. It also establishes the National Plan for Urban Development, the Municipal Zoning Plans, Urban Planning, and Land Use. This Law prohibits land-planning schemes that do not follow the proscribed zoning regulations.

Date Implemented: 1968

Status: In Force; Mandatory

Costa Rica: Law and Regulations on Rational Energy Use - la Ley Nº 7200

This law requires MINAE to establish company-level power indices based on their level of economic activity. The law and its subsequent regulations outline the obligatory nature of executing projects that conserve electricity. They also include an incentive program for businesses that promote the efficient use of energy.

Date Implemented: Law:1994; Regulation: 1995

Saudi Arabia: Economic Liberalization/diversification

China: Gasoline price increase

In may of 2006, Beijing enacted the largest ever one-off increase in the fixed/mandated price of gasoline in China. Overnight the price increased 12 cents to approximately $2.40/gallon.

Date Implemented: May 2006

Status: In Force; Mandatory

References: news article by Richard McGregor in Beijing May 24, 2006