IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Beijing

System in pilot to protect environment

A compensation system for damage to the environment will be tried across China starting early next year, in line with a plan released by the State Council on Sunday. Under the plan, individuals or employers will be held accountable for causing major environmental damage, including pollution in areas where development is banned by national or provincial governments. In addition to the administrative or criminal penalties they receive, perpetrators must restore the environment or pay compensation if the damage cannot be repaired, according to the plan.