Time to clean up environment law

The Environmental Protection Law may be one of the most poorly enforced laws in China, but it is under review by lawmakers, says an article in Southern Metropolis Daily (excerpts below)

In the draft, only the All-China Environmental Federation and its branches have the right to charge polluters when the public interest is harmed. This right is not extended to individuals or any other civil organizations, which had the right before.

Some of the federation's member enterprises include many big names in papermaking and electronics.

Appointing only one giant organization like this to charge polluters in countless environmental cases only diminished the power of litigation. All victims of pollution should be entitled that right.

The connection between local governments and polluting enterprises is based on the strong desire to boost GDP growth.

Lawmakers should make it easier for individual citizens and civil organizations to sue polluters directly in the court, instead of adding an obstacle between the court and victims of pollution.