China, Acid Rain and $$

China's rapid industrial growth has created tremendous amounts of acid rain, smog and water pollution. In an ironic twist, local governments are standing in the way of implementing environmental regulations due to economic concerns. Ironically in the US of A, it's the federal government that seems to be the primary obstacle to regulation, as the Bush administration continues to weaken environmental regs. At least the Chinese government is aware of the threat and attempting to implement controls.

From the Story: Beijing plans to spend $175 billion on environmental protection over the next five years, up 60 percent from the previous five years, according to Mao Rupai, chairman of the parliament's environmental committee.
Lawmakers are considering raising fines for environmental violators in order to encourage companies to spend more on clean technology, Mao said at a news conference on Saturday.
Mao complained that local officials fail to enforce standards for fear of hurting businesses. He said some areas comply with as few as 30 percent of environmental regulations.
"It is true that in some areas, local governments focus more on economic development than on the environment," he said. "In the future, officials will be judged not just by their economic growth but by environmental protection as well."
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Interesting concept Mr. Rupai.
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