Clean air funding halved in Iran’s budget as pollution chokes much of country
As much of Iran grapples with record levels of air pollution during the cold season each year, the government has halved the resources allocated to tackling the pressing issue despite an overall increase in the budget cap.
TEHRAN — The Iranian government presented to parliament this month a swollen budget bill for the next Persian year, starting in March 2023. While the draft plan envisages huge boosts of up to 50% in security, intelligence and media spending, the share of tackling air pollution is reduced to half from roughly $8 million to $4 million.
The cut specifically targets the Clean Air Law (CAL). It came into force in 2017 under then-moderate President Hassan Rouhani and remains the sole robust regulation focused on the environment.
“CAL was the result of global expertise and domestic experience … its enforcement requires the necessary budget. Why is it halved as we hit records in pollution intensity?” asked Masoumeh Ebtekar, a former Department of Environment head.
The 34-article law commits at least 20 ministries and state organizations to execute the obligations that range from renovating the public transportation network and fuel consumption checks to punitive measures against violators.
