In the News: Carbon Reduction; Anti-Familial Corruption; and New Format RMB Settlement

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Pollution & Carbon Reduction

Recently, seven governmental departments including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) jointly promulgated the Implementation Plan for Synergistic Pollution and Carbon Reduction (减污降碳协同增效实施方案).

The Plan outlined 25 measures which aim to reduce energy usage and emissions, regulate energy-intensive and high-emissions industries, and optimize environmental governance. For instance, zoning controls will incorporate environmental goals by prohibiting the construction of new steel, coking, oil refining, cement and glass projects in key zones. Investments in renewable energy, including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal sources, will be bolstered while the nation's transition to electric vehicles will be hastened with the goal of having new energy vehicles make up 50% of total car sales by 2030. New technologies such as carbon capture, solar-storage, smart transportation, and new power systems will see increased attention from policymakers.