Some Hebei firms to be exempt from cuts, suspensions

SHANGHAI, Jun 21 (SMM) – Hebei province plans to introduce a differentiated policy that will exempt leading companies, designated as an environmental "forerunner", from production cuts during heavy pollution.

This is part of the Hebei municipal government's drive to promote green operations and facilities among key industries, the authorities announced on June 11. 

An environmental "forerunner" will have to comply with environmental requirements and discharge standards. This includes meeting national and local pollutant discharge standards, maintaining a low proportion of coal used in energy consumption (excluding thermal power plants or those that use coke as raw materials), and energy and water consumption standards. Companies will also have to work towards a sustainable supply chain. 

An assessment will be made every two years, starting from 2018. The first batch of "forerunner" companies will be selected across key industries such as cement, steel, glass, coking, waste-to-energy, carbon production and thermal power. Three to five firms will be identified from each industry.