VILNIUS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government approved on Wednesday its national plan to reduce air pollution which includes financial incentives to the country's residents and municipalities.
The plan focuses on efforts to cut emissions of nitrogen oxides and particles in transportation and promises financial incentives for people upgrading their cars to cleaner vehicles or choosing public transportation.
"Air pollution in our cities is causing more concern, becoming one of the greatest environmental and health problems," environment minister Kestutis Mazeika was quoted in a statement by the government.
"The plan should at least help lower the rates of health issues, cut the number of premature deaths and diminish the negative effects on ecosystems," added Mazeika.
According to the plan, residents upgrading to cleaner vehicles would receive financial incentives of 1,000 euros.
In total, the government plans to allocate around 30 million euros on incentives aimed to encourage cleaner vehicles or public transportation.
The Baltic country also plans incentives of around 30 million euros in total to the country's municipalities upgrading to electric, gas or hydrogen powered buses.
The government also promises financial incentives for improving heating systems at individual houses that burn solid fuel.
