China might impose new tax on heavy polluters

Part of effort to slash energy consumption.

The National Development and Reform Commission, the top planning body, is seriously considering imposing a consumption tax on high-polluting firms and high-energy-consuming products.

The measure is part of China's efforts to save energy and reduce pollution. China wants to cut energy consumption per unit of GDP by 3.84% annually between 2013 and 2015.

Other measures include removing outdated industrial capacity, preventing the fast expansion of high-polluting and high-energy-consuming businesses, and encouraging the development of sustainable energy.