Temporary air quality measures must be backed up with long-term actions

THE GOVERNMENT of East China's Shandong province recently issued a regulation that will more heavily reward or punish city governments in the province according to their performance in curbing air pollution. Those cities whose PM2.5 levels exceed the set limit will be fined 400,000 yuan ($61,000), while those with PM2.5 levels below the limit receive a similar amount as reward. Will that help curb air pollution, asks Beijing Times:

The regulation of Shandong province has aroused speculation online. Where does the bonus money come from? What if the bonus is stopped in the future?

More importantly, it is the legal responsibility of local governments to promote air quality, so why do they need a financial incentive to do their duty?