China's environmental departments and polluters will have to publicize information regarding environmental degradation and pollution, according to a draft measure issued by the country's environment watchdog on Wednesday.

"Environmental departments at all levels are required to make public 17 categories of environmental information including laws, regulations, policies and standards regarding environmental protection," said the draft issued by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

The measure, which does not become effective until May 1, 2008, comes shortly after the release of a decree on Tuesday by the State Council to boost official transparency by ordering government departments to be more open in reporting information.

Companies or factories exceeding pollution levels and whose facilities are not up to environmental standards will have to report this information, it says.

The draft measure asks governments to release environmental information within 20 working days and in a way that ensures the majority of the public have access to it. They must reply to any request for information from a member of public within 15 days.

"Polluting companies have to publish information concerning the discharge of main pollutants in local media within 30 days after local environmental departments draw up company blacklists," the regulation says.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2007)