Groups in Parliament discussed a draft bill to make amendments into the law on air on Monday December 2nd.

The President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj, initiated the draft bill in order to transfer the executive power of the National Committee on Reducing Air Pollution under the office of the President of Mongolia to the Prime Minister.

One of the key agenda to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar city is believed to be bringing coking coal into household use. Parliamentarians also suggested to ban the import of used car tires in Mongolia.

MP G.Batkhuu, of the former Prime Minister S.Bayar`s Government, raised the issue and Government issued a decree, however the process failed to work.  Now caucuses in Parliament have ordered the Government to find a way to make it work.

Used car tires are imported in large amount as they are cheap and Mongolians frequently buy old used car tires. But the used car tires are not serviceable and they are often used as fuel in suburban ger districts during winter time.

Therefore banning used car tires has two reasons. The draft bill will be discussed during the Standing Committee meeting in the Parliament session meeting next week. The Ulaanbaatar air quality management division is also considering a regulation that prohibits the burning of waste tires.