Subsidy fraud hits emissions battle
Source: Xinhua |
May 14, 2011, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ABOUT 205 million yuan (US$31.5 million) in subsidies intended to help industries reduce emissions were embezzled by power plants, steel makers and cement manufacturers between 2007 to 2009, according to a government audit.
Incidents of false subsidy declarations and illegal land use were also uncovered, according to a report released by the National Audit Office yesterday.
The NAO audited major industries in 20 of China's provinces and autonomous regions over the past five years. Most of the companies audited were power companies, steel makers or cement manufacturers.
About 201 million yuan in misused subsidies were recovered by the end of March, according to the audit report.
"The audit shows that China is still facing a severe situation in terms of saving energy and reducing emissions," said Wang Dannong, director of the Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Protection Department of the NAO.
A lack of resources and environmental constraints are creating pressure for China's sustainable development, Wang said, adding that the NAO will enhance its oversight over the next five years to help China honor its commitment to climate change.
According to Wang, activities concerning land use, mine exploration, forestry development and the use of maritime resources will also be closely monitored in the future.
A total of 20 people have been punished for their roles in the embezzlements since the investigation took place, with a total of 6.62 million yuan in fines handed down to the violators, according to the NAO.
The audit also led to the shutting of outdated iron mills, steel factories and cement factories.
About 70 percent of China's total energy consumption is accounted for by industrial companies, the NAO said.
China's central government allocated 124.2 billion yuan to be used to support energy conservancy and emission reduction projects from 2007 to 2009, as the government increasingly sought to build its clean energy industry.
The government has also ordered local governments to set up offices to supervise energy use and audit energy consumption among state-funded companies.
Incidents of false subsidy declarations and illegal land use were also uncovered, according to a report released by the National Audit Office yesterday.
The NAO audited major industries in 20 of China's provinces and autonomous regions over the past five years. Most of the companies audited were power companies, steel makers or cement manufacturers.
About 201 million yuan in misused subsidies were recovered by the end of March, according to the audit report.
"The audit shows that China is still facing a severe situation in terms of saving energy and reducing emissions," said Wang Dannong, director of the Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Protection Department of the NAO.
A lack of resources and environmental constraints are creating pressure for China's sustainable development, Wang said, adding that the NAO will enhance its oversight over the next five years to help China honor its commitment to climate change.
According to Wang, activities concerning land use, mine exploration, forestry development and the use of maritime resources will also be closely monitored in the future.
A total of 20 people have been punished for their roles in the embezzlements since the investigation took place, with a total of 6.62 million yuan in fines handed down to the violators, according to the NAO.
The audit also led to the shutting of outdated iron mills, steel factories and cement factories.
About 70 percent of China's total energy consumption is accounted for by industrial companies, the NAO said.
China's central government allocated 124.2 billion yuan to be used to support energy conservancy and emission reduction projects from 2007 to 2009, as the government increasingly sought to build its clean energy industry.
The government has also ordered local governments to set up offices to supervise energy use and audit energy consumption among state-funded companies.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
