Xinjiang to Charge Petrochemical Players for VOC Emissions

The government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will levy fees on emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from petrochemical and package printing industries, effective October 1.
A main source of urban haze and photochemical pollution, VOCs can generate ozone and secondary aerosol particles via photochemical reactions with nitrogen oxides under sunlight. Hence, reducing VOC emissions is important for China in order to control surface ozone and PM2.5.
Pollution equivalent of VOCs is temporarily 0.95 kg, in accordance with Xinjiang Pilot Measures on Collecting Fees for Emissions of VOCs. The government will charge RMB1.5 per pollution equivalent of VOCs in key areas for prevention and control of air pollution, and RMB1.2 in other regions of Xinjiang.