State Council calls for curbs on inefficient industries

The State Council said that energy-intensive industries are developing too quickly and preventing China from reaching its energy efficiency goals, state media reported. Warning that industries with high energy consumption and pollution emissions were standing in the way of pollution reduction and efficiency targets in the 11th Five-Year Plan, the State Council said such industries should be "resolutely curbed." Under the 11th Five-Year Plan, China has a goal of reducing overall energy intensity by 20% and emissions of major pollutants by 10%, from 2005 levels by 2010. The State Council reiterated its commitment to close inefficient small thermal power generators.