According to the definitive values from 2011, Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions reached 138 million tons (3.7% more than the reference year). However, considering the amount expected to be absorbed by forests and acquired Kyoto Mechanisms Credits, the average emission throughout the 4 years from 2008 to 2011 was reduced by 9.2% in comparison to the reference year. Although each initiative requires further deliberation, the objective of reducing emissions by 6% is believed to be achievable.

Despite the “Carbon dioxide tax for global warming countermeasure” being introduced in October of 2012, sectors in shipping, railways and aviation (all part in mass transit with little environmental impact) were provided with special taxation measures. This is due to their contributions to the countermeasures against global warming through the promotion of modal shift and by stimulating the use of public transportation. Meanwhile, the “Low Carbon City Act” has been ratified to advance the transition to compact cities by promoting the use of public transportation and consolidation of city functions. In other fronts, various regulations are undergoing revision and mitigation to expand the implementation of renewable energy. By combining a wide array of policy means throughout the future, Japan is promoting energy conservation and the implementation of renewable energies to the best of our abilities.

Japan has decided to undertake initiatives without participating in the Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment Period (2013 to 2020), and instead will establish the “Global Warming Countermeasure Plan” for 2013 and onward. In light of these activities, the Panel on Infrastructure Development: Environment Committee and the Council of Transport Policy Transportation Subcommittee: Environment Committee are deliberating the medium-term Global Warming Countermeasure Plan for the MLIT.

## 2 Measures in the Transportation Sector

The emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for 20% of all $ CO_{2} $ produced by Japan, amounted to 230 million tons according to definitive values of 2011. The goal of between 240 million tons and 243 million tons, set as the criteria for 2011 by the Objective Achievement Plan, has now been fulfilled 4 years in a row since 2003. Japan is now pushing forward measures for further reduction of emissions.

## (1) Environmental Consideration in Individual Vehicles and Driving

## ① Improving Mileage in vehicle:

We are formulating the mileage standards of Top Runner Approach $ ^{Note} $ and publishing vehicle mileage in accordance with the “Law Concerning Rational Use of Energy (Energy Saving Law),” and in 2007 we established mileage standards with 2015 as the objective year. Of all gasoline powered vehicles consigned in 2011, over half attained levels that satisfy the mileage standard for the objective year 2015. The average mileage level rose approximately 30% in comparison to 2004. Furthermore, we will formulate new mileage standards in 2012 aiming for 2020, and plan further mileage improvements.

## ② Schemes to stimulate improvements in mileage capabilities and reduction in exhaust gas

In order for consumers to easily identify and select vehicles with high mileage capabilities, we have implemented systems to evaluate and disclose mileage capabilities of vehicles to stimulate their dissemination. Additionally, for vehicles that emit lower amounts of harmful substances than the latest exhaust gas standards, we are implementing the “low emission vehicle recognition system,” according to how much less exhaust is emitted by the vehicle. The indication for mileage capabilities are marked by a “2015 Mileage Standard Fulfilling Vehicle” sticker.

## ③ Promoting the dissemination of environmentally friendly vehicles

In the promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles, the classification for vehicles was reorganized in the tax reform of 2012, based on new mileage standards. Revisions and expansions were made to add conventional vehicles with mileage capabilities equivalent to hybrid vehicles to the scope of tax reduction. Furthermore, we are planning to extend “eco car” tax reductions (reductions in vehicle weight tax and vehicle excise tax) and green exception (vehicle tax) for vehicles with superb ecological capabilities (eco cars).

In 2012, the number of sold vehicles applicable to eco-car tax reductions accounted for approximately 73% (3.65 million vehicles) of all vehicles sold in Japan.