Recent Environmental Law and Public Participation News
Ma Jun: Pollution emissions data should be disclosed at the enterprise level (Google translate)
In a Beijing News editorial, Ma Jun, director of the Institute for Public and Environmental Affairs, examines the results of China’s first national pollution census. The inclusion of new sources of pollution, most notably agricultural waste, in assessing China’s Chemical Oxygen Demand total has resulted in a new estimate significantly higher than previous figures. Such results indicate that much work remains to be done, Ma Jun says. The release of the census provides an opportunity to implement reforms. In particular, enterprises should have their data disclosed to not just government officials but also the public at large, allowing the public to serve as a watchdog that protects local ecosystems and public health. (Source: Beijing News)
Shanxi Province sets new water pollution targets (Google translate)
Shanxi officials revealed this week a set of strict water pollution targets for the months ahead. The new policies include a comprehensive ban on all discharging enterprises and activities near drinking water sources. City sewage and treatment systems will continue to expand. Additionally, the nine provincial water quality monitoring stations have been given the target of an 80% compliance rate for the upcoming year. (Source: Yellow River News)
Liaoning Province initiates boiler demolition plan (Google translate)
Coal-fired boilers under 10 tons will all be closed within the next three years as part of a new Liaoning plan to reduce coal dependency and bolster the area’s anti-pollution measures, officials announced this week. As part of the infrastructure upgrade, the province will encourage the development of central heating systems in buildings while clamping down on inefficient energy projects. Possible heavy pollution projects will also face increased scrutiny during the environmental impact assessment process. (Source: Commercial Times)
China fertilizer products to undergo environmental certification (Google translate)
Sources in China’s chemical industry reported this week that a government plan to subject all chemical fertilizers and agricultural chemicals to environmental impact testing and certification is nearly implementation. All such chemicals will be subject to certification by the State Certification and Accreditation Regulatory Commission, which will exercise its authority and test fertilizer products for their impact on soil and water. (Source: Caixun)
Yunnan CPPCC fields proposals for protecting rural ecology (Google translate)
More than 30 CPPCC officials submitted environmental proposals at the Tenth CPPCC National Committee. Committee members stated their support for increasing environmental public interest litigation efforts, which they praised as a key tool for upholding environmental protection in rural areas. (Source: China Youth Daily)
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