Impressed by Modi's commitment to clean energy: Bloomberg

Washington, May 23: Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for proposing new public health standards for emissions from coal-fired power plants, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has said he is impressed by the Indian leader's commitment to build a clean energy future for India.

"Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking such a bold step toward his vision of 'Swach Bharat –- Clean India' by proposing new public health standards for emissions from coal fired power plants," said Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change.

"The Prime Minister and I discussed the harmful effects of coal pollution on his visit to New York last fall, and on my visit to India last winter," he said.

The Environment Ministry has come out with a draft notification that proposes stringent pollution norms, to be implemented in two years, for coal-based thermal power plants.

Bloomberg said, "I came away from both meetings impressed by his commitment to building a clean energy future for India while clearing its air, and this new proposal will go a long way toward achieving those goals, while also making a major contribution to the battle against climate change."

"This is a great development not only for the people of India, but also for the global community," Bloomberg said.

PTI