China finally takes pollution seriously

China is starting to take pollution matters more seriously as the government passed, for the first time since 1989, a new environmental protection law that better suits nowadays issues. 

‘The recent level of public outrage over pollution in China is something I’ve never seen before. It’s led the government to realize they have to take pollution control seriously,’ says Barbara Finamore, senior attorney and Asia director at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The new law enforces far more strict penalties for environmental infractions.

Until now, plants with a high-polluting level were charge with only a one-time penalty, which was also often cheaper to pay than to buy new equipment that would fix the problem.

From January 1, 2015, though, factories will be charged with fines that grow daily for as long as the problem exists. Moreover, personnel and local officials could also face detention for polluting violations.

In addition, environmental non-profits will be able, from now on, to file public lawsuits against polluting enterprises. ‘That’s one of the most important revisions,’ says Finamore, adding that she estimates ‘about 300 environmental nonprofits throughout China’ will qualify to file public interest lawsuits. ‘In the past, China’s courts would simply refuse to accept these cases.’