Beijing bars pollutants from entering city

Beijing government officials said that motor vehicles registered outside of the city that fail to meet emissions standards will be barred from entering China’s capital starting October 1. According to China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, gasoline-fueled vehicles that do not meet State I (Euro I) standards will not be allowed to pass through Sixth Ring Rd., Beijing’s outermost highway loop. Diesel-powered vehicles, meanwhile, have to meet State III standards or higher to be able to use the highway. (July 31, 2009)