New version of air pollution law would impose heavier fines

A revised draft of China's Law on the Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution, released on Tuesday for public opinion, would require governments above the county level to establish pollution monitoring systems and levy heavier fines for illegal activities that pollute the environment.

The document, released by the State Council's Legislative Affairs Office, also requires governments above the county level to account for the prevention and control of air pollution in their economic and social development plans by increasing fiscal input.

The draft also mandates assessments of government performance, which will be published for public viewing. If governments fail to abide by the draft or do not meet emissions targets, officials must create and enact rectification measures.