China clamps down on polluting factories
Thousands of factories face closure or sanctions as authorities exercise new powers to curb air and water pollution
China has stepped up its national programme of environmental inspections. While the campaign could offer a chance for the country to clean up its air and water, and upgrade its production and energy efficiency, there is a possibility that overzealous enforcement may have overstepped legal boundaries, which could jeopardise the long-term environmental protection effect.
The ‘environmental storm’ formally kicked off early this year, after new rules on pollution emission permits were issued by the State Council, China’s cabinet, last November. That authorised the environmental protection ministry and its local branches to immediately close polluting factories.