Does central supervision mitigate border pollution? Evidence from the national specially monitored firms program in China

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
Year: 2026
Volume: 136
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Wan, Panbing (not in RePEc) Chen, Lin (not in RePEc) Zhang, ZhongXiang (Tianjin University)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper examines how central supervision influences border pollution, using China's National Specially Monitored Firms (NSMF) program as a quasi-experiment. We show that the program significantly reduces SO2 emission intensity among polluting firms near provincial borders relative to those farther away. The effect is concentrated in firms located downwind of urban areas. The mechanism operates through strengthened local enforcement, as the NSMF program compels stricter monitoring of border-proximate firms. In response, these firms adopt greater end-of-pipe abatement measures to comply with heightened regulatory pressure.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeeman:v:136:y:2026:i:c:s0095069625001457
Journal Field
Environment
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-02-02