Environmental Regulation in China: Institutions, Enforcement and Compliance

The popular perception of China in the West is of rapid industrial growth with scant regard for the environment. Ma and Ortolano”s timely book dispels this myth and reveals a complex system of environmental regulations albeit in a very different institutional setting to most western or, for that matter, developing countries. The book explores a wide field. One of its strengths is that it is equaly relevant for the China specialist as for the informed generalist impact assessment professional. This clearly written and easily read book is a must for anyone interested in environmental protection in China or indeed with China”s evolving system of governance.

A reliable guide to the current state of environmental regulation. The book offers insights and cogent analysis. It will prove useful to those who wish to explore what kinds of environmental policies should be adopted in a country like China that is experiencing rapid economic and social change.

An excellent introduction into the use of various regulatory and economic instruments at the disposal of local Environment Protection Bureaus for regulating enterprise behavior.

An excellent book. Ma and Ortolano have done a first-rate job covering the range of issues―from the evolution of SOEs and TVEs to the nature of Chinese negotiation and the importance of Confucian tradition. There is nothing in the literature to date that covers the same range of material in such a thorough and clearly articulated fashion. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the research makes it unique and especially useful. Scholars, environmental scientists, and businesspeople will all find the book of importance. — Elizabeth Economy, Council on Foreign Relations