Citizen lobbying and government dithering is moving the nation closer to realizing a scheme to promote the retrieval of ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases.

Debate on the issue hit the home stretch Friday when the ruling coalition approved a draft bill to mandate the collection of three types of chlorofluorocarbons used in commercial refrigerants and automobile air conditioners.

The nongovernmental organization Furon Net, led by veteran activist Takako Momoi, is one group that will heave a sigh of relief should the bill be passed during the current Diet session.