USCBC Advocacy with Ministry of Ecology and Environment on Environmental Enforcement

Since China declared a “war on pollution” in 2014, environmental protection has become a top political priority. The resulting speed of regulatory change and sudden intensity of enforcement has created unintended consequences for industry, such as increased costs and uncertainty throughout the supply chain. In order to help China reach its environmental goals while minimizing negative impacts on the economy, the US-China Business Council (USCBC) has engaged in a series of advocacy efforts with China’s environmental regulator, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE):

• In March 2019, USCBC published a report on environmental compliance for US companies in China and USCBC President Craig Allen delivered a series of related policy recommendations (EN, CN) to MEE Vice Minister Zhao Yingmin. 
• On April 30, MEE provided a detailed written response (EN summary, CN) detailing their efforts on many of the issues raised. 
• On June 14, Allen sent a reply to Vice Minister Zhao (EN, CN) outlining further recommendations on the points raised. 

USCBC is encouraged by MEE’s willingness to engage in continued dialogue on issues important to member companies such as one-size-fits-all enforcement of environmental regulations, environmental impact assessment reform, regulatory transparency, science-based environmental standards, and the accessibility of hazardous waste disposal. USCBC will continue to monitor related policy changes and enforcement efforts and advocate on behalf of its member companies.