Vice-premier addresses environment issues

China's vice-premier said the country's worsening environmental situation did not improve in 2003, calling for a crackdown on companies that violate environmental regulations. Zeng Peiyan said that China still has major problems with river pollution, acid rain and noise, but that electronic waste, hazardous waste and toxic chemicals have emerged as new concerns. Zeng added that all future construction projects must undergo environment impact assessments.