'Pollute, then treat' is not the right model
(China Daily)Updated: 2007-01-18 09:44
These regulations, together with our ongoing move to stop environment appraisal of a whole region for a single violation, and a regulation under discussion to open environment information to the public, are all part of our constant efforts to create a new and better mechanism and system.
Q: By calling a halt to projects that violate environment appraisal rules, the SEPA has substantially affected the economic interests of local governments. How will you overcome local resistance?
A: At present, driven by local and industrial interests, the situation of illegal construction and operation is getting worse. It has severely disrupted the country's macro-control and industrial structure and put mounting pressure on the environment and resources.
The mild environment management and legal measures we once used in the past have proved to be ineffective. Therefore, we have to explore new ways of management.
The policy to stop environment appraisal of a whole region or whole industrial group for a single violation is a major innovative way of enhancing the administrative powers of the environmental protection authorities.
Q: The SEPA has constantly promoted the inclusion of environmental protection achievements in the official performance evaluation system, do you think it can effectively prod local officials to pay more attention to environmental protection?
A: The move is very necessary. But a scientific objective and appraisal system should be set up first.
Like the Green GDP calculation system, a strict rewards and punishment system and accountability should be adopted to ensure governments at all levels will implement it.
We will do what we can to speed up the legislative process of a detailed regulation to evaluate the environmental protection performance of officials and make it an important reference for their promotion or appointment.
Only by doing this can we change the officials' "economy-overriding-all"
perspective and to one of low energy consumption, high utilization and low
emission.
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