The Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture of the State Great Hural (Parliament) held the general oversight hearing on “policy implementation and outcomes regarding air pollution control” for the second consecutive day today, February 4, at the State Palace.

Hearing chair MP J. Chinburen introduced the procedures and sequence of the hearing as stipulated in the Law on Parliamentary Oversight and the Law on Parliamentary Session Procedures. He emphasized that the primary objective of today’s hearing was to gather and disclose information, ensure the right of the public and civil society organizations to access information, listen to proposals, align perspectives at the decision-making level, and provide directives to the government and relevant organizations regarding detected violations and shortcomings.

The hearing was attended by MPs B. Bayarbaatar, J. Zoljargal, J. Bat-Erdene, B. Bat-Erdene, B. Beisen, M. Gankhuleg, S. Odontuya, M. Naran- Narantuya, B. Jargalan, S. Erdenebold, P. Batchimeg, B. Naidalaa, S. Zamira, D. Regdel, and L. Munkhbayasgalan. Representatives from 29 government organizations, 60 civil society organizations, and seven expert analysts, totaling 96 participants, also took part.

MP B. Bayarbaatar, chair of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Parliamentary Procedures, provided an overview of the sub-discussion on “legal environment, policy implementation, financing, and accountability of air pollution control measures.” He noted that presentations were delivered by M. Sanjaadorj, head of the Fiscal Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry of Finance, on “15-year review of state budget spending on air pollution control”; Minister of Environment and Climate Change S. Odontuya on “legal environment, projects, financing, and future plans”; I. Luvsantseren, head of the Fuel Policy Implementation Coordination Department of the Ministry of Energy, on “implemented measures, financing, and outcomes of air pollution control”; and H. Ariunzaya, head of the Planning and Economics Division of Tavantolgoi Tulsh LLC, on “policy implementation, financing, and expenditures.” A total of 33 citizens and five MPs asked questions related to these presentations, receiving responses from relevant officials.

The sub-discussion was broadcast live on MNB to ensure transparency of government actions on air pollution control and its financing. Discussions focused on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regarding the production and distribution of refined coal briquettes, the allocation of MNT 146.8 billion from the Capital Air Pollution Control Center  for transportation, storage, and sales of briquettes, as well as clarifying the structure and financial sources of green loans.

Following the discussion, expert analyst G. Javkhlan presented a conclusion, stating that no impact assessment had been conducted on the implementation of the Air Law. The coordination and monitoring of air pollution control measures were inadequate, and self-regulation within the government agencies responsible for these tasks was lacking. The 2017-2020 National Program on Reducing Environmental Pollution saw a 32.2% completion rate, with 23.1% unimplemented and 44.7% partially implemented, reflecting poor inter-agency coordination.

The expert noted that policy goals must be clearly prioritized, progress assessments must be conducted, and unaddressed challenges must be effectively managed with centralized coordination. He also pointed out that the revised air quality standards had increased the permissible levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions, which could negatively impact environmental health.

Additionally, he highlighted that no consolidated report had been produced regarding the total state expenditure on air pollution control. While individual budget managers submitted financial reports, the lack of a baseline made comparative assessments difficult. Based on data verified through audits, the expert team identified MNT 295.9 billion in spending inconsistencies, including MNT 1.9 billion in 18 payment orders to be refunded to the state budget, MNT 101.5 billion in six cases referred to law enforcement, MNT 143.6 billion requiring corrective action through 55 official mandates, and MNT 48.9 billion in 68 advisory recommendations for efficiency improvements and error corrections.

The National Audit Office had previously refused to issue an opinion on the 2014 financial statements of the Clean Air Fund. It had also given qualified opinions on the 2022 and 2023 financial reports of Tavantolgoi Tulsh LLC, indicating weakened financial discipline within the company since 2022. The expert revealed that procurement contracts worth MNT 12 billion for 290 air pollution filters from four Chinese suppliers, as well as three contracts worth MNT 88.1 billion between Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC and Tavantolgoi Tulsh LLC, had been flagged for potential criminal activity and referred to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

He concluded that responsibility for air pollution control efforts had been unclear, implementation efforts had been inconsistent, financing had been inefficient, and monitoring and evaluation had been inadequate.

The hearing continued with a summary of the sub-discussion on “technological solutions for stoves and fuel” by MP J. Zoljargal, chair of the Standing Committee on Innovation and E-Policy. He reported that over 70 participants, including researchers, citizens, and business representatives, attended the session, with 28 presenting innovative proposals. He noted that many participants had called for the establishment of a center dedicated to evaluating and implementing energy-efficient technologies.

Hearing chair J. Chinburen then provided an official update on carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, following discrepancies in reported numbers. According to the National Forensic Examination Agency, 779 people had died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Mongolia between 2017 and 2024.

A total of 31 citizens asked questions and voiced their opinions during the hearing. They proposed expanding access to green loans for ger district residents, accelerating housing projects, transitioning ger districts to gas heating, and prioritizing locally developed, innovative air pollution control solutions.

MPs also addressed key concerns. MP D. Regdel suggested transferring the National Committee on Environmental Pollution Reduction under the Deputy Prime Minister to improve cross-sectoral coordination. MP J. Zoljargal emphasized the need to end state-controlled technology trials and instead support private sector-led innovation. MP B. Bayarbaatar proposed forming a temporary committee to oversee air pollution reduction efforts, while MP B. Bat-Erdene called for a permanent subcommittee under the Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture to ensure long-term oversight.

MPs M. Gankhuleg, B. Jargalan, S. Erdenebold, and others emphasized that addressing air pollution required integrated solutions, increased investment in renewable energy, and enhanced transparency in government decision-making.

In closing the hearing, MP J. Chinburen underscored that Mongolia’s transition to a larger, more representative parliament aimed to make governance more transparent and accountable. He noted that this hearing had provided crucial evidence on the health risks of air pollution, including its link to cancer and infant mortality. He also acknowledged that while the ban on raw coal had been an important step, further efforts were needed to achieve significant improvements.

The two-day oversight hearing concluded with an appeal to lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the public to continue working together toward a cleaner, healthier Mongolia.