Cabinet Okays Draft Bill For Carbon - Free Society
The Japanese government approved on Tuesday a draft bill aimed at helping regional authorities create a carbon-free society.
The draft bill revises a law on global warming measures, with the goal of reaching a zero-carbon target across Japan by 2050.
The proposed bill, approved during a Cabinet meeting, stipulates that central and local governments should work closely together, alongside the public, to achieve this goal.
It asks cities, wards, towns and villages across the country to hold discussions with residents and designate zones to promote renewable energy power facilities and other business initiatives that will lead to carbon neutrality.
It also says local governments should make efforts to set goals for the introduction of solar and wind power.
The draft bill adds that local governments can also simplify approval procedures for businesses that conform to environmental standards or contribute to the local community.