According to a news update from the official website of the Beijing Olympics, a city official released a statement outlining specific measures that will be taken before and during the games to help improve air quality.

Measures include:

• The management of motor vehicles and the promotion of more environmentally-friendly forms of transportation

• A stoppage of work at all construction sites in Beijing on or before July 20, as well as at chemical plants and mining operations around Beijing

• The banning of equipment that don't meet emission standards, such as coal-burning boilers

• A 30 percent reduction in emissions from 19 enterprises around Beijing notorious for heavy pollution

• Strict control on gas, oil, paint and solvent distribution and use