SOEs should be regulated for environment protection

The fine given to a branch of Sinopec by the environment protection bureau in Anqing, Anhui province, is a good move, says an editorial in Beijing News (excerpts below).

"This time it's real," at least that was the reaction of many online comments after the Sinopec branch was fined 90,000 yuan ($14,600) from the local environment protection bureau, "the first during its (the branch's) almost 40 years' history."

This reflects how difficult it is for environmental protection departments to supervise State-owned enterprises. In 2012 alone, Sinopec was reported to have behind several incidents of pollution.

The root problem lies in interests. Heavily invested SOEs can often deliver local governments huge income as well as increase local GDP.

The chief manager of Sinopec Anqing branch is also a member of the local Party committee.

Such combination of power and money exists in many provinces. To solve that problem, local governments need to perform their duties better and consider long-term development instead of short-term interests.