Guiyang takes measures to improve environment

Guiyang will begin rewarding and penalizing districts based on air quality evaluation results until December 2020, in accordance with new air quality regulations implemented last August.

The evaluation looks at the concentration of inhalable particles (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and overall improvement in air quality since last year. Data in each category will be provided by environmental supervision centers and will account for 35 percent, 35 percent and 30 percent of the total score, respectively.

According to the regulations, Guiyang will charge a fee of 20,000 yuan ($2915.7) for each point that air quality decreases and will offer a reward of 100,000 yuan for each point that it increases. The points will be determined by looking at the air quality data for each district as well as ecological compensation factors.

For districts which meet the secondary standards for air quality and pay more in fees than they receive in rewards, Guiyang will provide compensation for the fees.

Guiyang will supervise and hold discussions with districts whose air quality is decreasing.

If the air quality does not improve within three months, Guiyang will no longer approve new construction projects which increase harmful emissions and will investigate those responsible for the declining air quality.