This challenge was highlighted during the roll-out of the stimulus package during the global downturn in 2008 when normal procedures for assessing environmental aspects of new development proposals were bypassed to expedite spending (Liu and Raven, 2010). Strong central government oversight has been essential for progress, notably reductions in S02 emissions, and a continued effort is needed going forward. A further weakness in the environmental enforcement framework has been the very low fines for polluting which in the past has led some firms to choose to pay a fine rather than undertake costly mitigation. In response, the government has taken steps to strengthen penalties by raising fines and targeting individuals responsible in order to improve accountability.