China announces tough clean air action plan to reduce pollution

BEIJING – China’s State Council has released its toughest action plan yet to reduce pollution, requiring that the concentration of breathable suspended particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less must fall by at least 10% compared to 2012 in 338 specified cities by 2017. Stricter objectives have been set for areas including Beijing, which must reduce the concentration of PM 2.5, smaller more dangerous particles, by about 25% by 2017, based on 2012 levels.

The plan includes efforts to improve China’s monitoring ability, with a revised performance assessment system that involves the Organisation Department of the Communist Party of China, a Department with the power to appoint or dismiss officials if they fail to reach their targets. It is the first major policy move since levels of PM 2.5 hit a record high in January, drawing public attention to air quality.