Close energy-guzzlers
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The extraordinarily hot summer has apparently come to some Chinese officials' aid in forcing the closure of high-polluting and energy-intensive factories, at least temporarily.
However, the uphill struggle to meet the country's energy-efficiency target demands more than expedient measures. Local governments must work towards zero tolerance for local polluters and energy-guzzlers.
It was reported that a total of 506 factories in Anhui province had their electricity cut off for a month as of Sunday, due to their failure to meet the energy conservation and emission reduction goal set out by the provincial government.
Such a move is certainly a welcome response to the central government's order to shut outdated facilities in more than 2,000 factories across the country within two months.
If all local governments were to take action in such a timely manner against local polluters and energy-guzzlers, their joint efforts would give a much needed boost to the successful completion of China's plan to cut energy use per unit of GDP by 20 percent from the 2005 level by the end of this year.
While applauding Anhui province's resolve to cut the power to such a large number of local factories, it is also necessary to note local officials' recognition that the factory blackouts are a makeshift measure to cope with surging power demand during weeks of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).
Other provinces that are suffering from such hot summer days might follow suit happily. But such expedient measures are far from enough to decisively shift local economies away from energy-intensive growth.
To pursue sustainable growth, Chinese officials must make clear to all polluters and energy-guzzlers that they are being shut down, not for short-term reasons, like extreme weather or power shortages, but for the long-term interest of the country.
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