The implementation of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) serves as a crucial first line of defense in the struggle to maintain the natural beauty of our landscapes and protect our ecological resources. However, the integrity of this process has been compromised by various malpractices, including rampant misconduct and falsification within the EIA market. Such actions not only disrupt the regulatory framework but also pose significant risks to the environment and public health. Since the initiation of targeted reforms in 2022, aimed at addressing issues related to fraudulent practices by third-party environmental service agencies, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has made noteworthy strides in rectifying these challenges. Over 150 unlawful units operating within the EIA sector have been dealt with, and more than 550 EIA entities along with approximately 540 personnel involved have been placed under strict scrutiny or categorized as defaulters, thereby restricting their professional engagements.

This decisive action by the MEE reflects an unyielding commitment to maintaining the highest standards in environmental governance, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against EIA fraud. It sends a strong message that deception and malfeasance within this vital area of environmental oversight will not be tolerated.

Environmental impact assessments stand as a critical preventive mechanism and a focal point for deep reforms within environmental governance. Moving forward, there is a need for a problem-oriented and goal-driven approach that emphasizes comprehensive solutions rather than merely reactive measures. This entails addressing existing issues while simultaneously enacting systemic reforms to optimize the entire framework of EIA practices, ultimately establishing robust mechanisms aimed at preventing fraudulent behaviors across the entire chain of processes involved.

Firstly, it is essential to maintain rigorous enforcement of penalties against fraudulent activities, signaling a clear commitment to “no tolerance for wrongdoing.” Intensifying initiatives to combat fraudulent practices within third-party environmental service enterprises will be crucial, while also ensuring a cohesive relationship between administrative enforcement and criminal judicial processes, thereby expediting investigations into existing fraudulent EIA cases.

Secondly, the ongoing reform processes must be deepened to mitigate unnecessary EIAs. A management framework that aligns with pollution licensing core systems is vital, focusing on reducing assessments for projects that pose minimal environmental impacts. This will relieve burdens on businesses and grassroots entities while optimizing resource allocation, allowing assessment efforts to concentrate on key projects that significantly affect the environment.

Lastly, continued efforts must be made to clear out the avenues that allow fraud to thrive by routinely addressing issues related to “associated” EIA engineers and “shell” EIA firms, progressively shrinking the operational space for fraudulent units. By establishing clear behavioral standards for EIA practices, the market can be directed towards a healthy and orderly development.

The comprehensive prevention of EIA fraud is an ongoing and systematic endeavor. A sustained, rigorous campaign against wrongful practices, paired with systematic improvements and consistent oversight, will ensure that the EIA system effectively fulfills its role as a preventive measure, laying a solid groundwork for the construction of a beautiful China.