Environmental watchdogs lack bite

Environmental protection authorities must have a bigger say, said an article in China Business News (excerpts below).

It is not the lack of legislation but the weakness of environmental authorities that hinders the battle against pollution.

China's environmental protection department is an administration department of the government, not an independent organ.

The environmental protection department's affiliation to the government means it cannot fulfill its responsibility independently.

Environmental watchdogs must respect the government's decision. If a polluting enterprise is invited by a local enterprise to boost economic growth, the concerns of the environmental authorities can be pushed to one side.

The environmental protection departments do not have the ability or power to take compulsory measures.

A developed environmental protection system is the foundation to protect the environment.