Politburo to hold cadres to higher standards for environmental protection efforts
Xi Jinping is doubling down on environmental protection.
On Monday, the Politburo reviewed new regulations to strengthen ecological and environmental protection inspections.
ICYDK: Xi has beefed up China's environmental enforcement apparatus since coming to power – leading to major improvements in air, water, and soil pollution.
But Party honchos want more to be done, with the Politburo pledging to:
- “Strictly investigate and prosecute major cases of ecological and environmental damage and hold officials at all levels accountable”
The Politburo also committed to strengthening environmental inspection teams.
Local officials will be incentivized to get on board with these efforts: The meeting readout said environmental protection will be an increasingly important factor in officials' performance evaluations.
Get smart: Despite China's sluggish economy, Xi no longer wants to pursue a growth-at-all-costs development model, instead shifting to growth that is more sustainable and environmentally focused.
- Officials and businesses who skirt environmental regulations are more likely to be caught – and more likely to be punished.