From BBC News:
In the first move of its kind, a dozen Chinese businesses have had loans blocked or withdrawn after being accused of flouting environmental laws. The firms, which have not been named, include a brewer and a power plant.
With China’s historically lax record on the environment under growing scrutiny, the authorities threatened to get tough with persistent polluters this summer. Firms guilty of environmental breaches are currently subject to a maximum fine of just 100,000 yuan ($13,500; ¬£6,601). [Full Text]
[Image: The authorities are taking a tougher line on illegal polluters, from AP.]
