This year in Beijing, familiar complaints about pollution has arisen. There has in fact been a strict crackdown on illegal activity causing environmental pollution. The municipal government, through both economic and administrative measures, is making it more expensive to pollute.

From January 1st, Beijing, ahead of other cities, raised the standard charges on 4 major pollutants, including SO2. The new standards are 14 to 15 times tighter than the previous ones - now the highest in China. Raising standard charges and adopting a policy of differentiation is intended to increase the economic responsibilities of polluters.

The regulations for the control of air pollution of Beijing, put into effect after March 1st, provide a strong legal basis for atmospheric environment protection. The Beijing municipal environmental protection department works formally with other environmental protection groups in fighting intensely against illegal activity. Any unit that breaks the law will be punished in accordance with the regulations. Any fines levied as a result of these sanctions will be sent directly to banks in the form of green-credits. Units guilty of breaking the law will be obliged to release detailed information; in severe cases this information will be widely published.