Nation Criminalizes Tampering with Air Pollution Data

(Beijing) — China has stepped up its battle against pollution by making it a crime to manipulate air pollution data, a move that follows a string of scandals in which environmental protection officials tampered with readings and facilities.

Those who manipulate air-quality monitoring facilities, such as putting filters on monitoring systems, or who alter readings will face criminal charges. Companies that fail to spend pollution abatement funds may also be subject to criminal charges if the amount exceeds 1 million yuan ($144,000).