Critic of growth tapped for top environment role

A critic of China’s high-speed development has been shortlisted to take over China’s Ministry of Environment when soon-to-be Premier Li Keqiang forms his cabinet this month, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed source. Pan Yue, a former deputy director of one of China’s environmental regulators, gained a reputation during the last decade for challenging massive state projects such as the Three Gorges Dam. Until now, his willingness to go head to head with vested interest appeared to hurt his upward mobility in the government. Sources said Pan’s appointment as minister of China’s top environmental body would boost the credibility of the ministry.