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China passes new water pollution law

China has cracked down on polluting companies, Reuters reported on Thursday, passing legislation that allows for stiff fines against heads of firms found fouling the country's water resources.

The Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law was passed ahead of the annual full session of China’s National People’s Congress next week, the report said, and will take effect on June 1.

"Enterprise heads directly responsible for causing severe water pollution incidents and others with direct responsibility would be fined up to half of their income in the previous year," the law reportedly states.

Previously, executives faced only disciplinary action. The new law shows a greater sense of urgency in the struggle to curb the environmental consequences of China’s economic growth.

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