China warns local governments not to flout environmental protection laws

China's environmental protection and supervision departments at all levels should check local regulations to ensure they do not contravene national environmental protection laws, according to a circular issued on Friday.

The circular said that outdated provisions, for example on pollutant emission levels, should be brought into line with national guidelines.

Regulations that deliberately flout national policies must be abolished, said the circular, adding that those who refuse to amend the regulations or who drag their feet will be punished.

The circular was co-issued by the Ministry of Supervision and the State Environmental Protection Administration.

Source: Xinhua