Development of Environmental Regulation in Energy Industry of China a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) regulation related to the natural gas industry in China is reviewed with a focus on environmental regulation. The review provides insight into the regulation, standards and management practice adopted, and it identifies trends and needs for improvement in China. The research finds that China is actively improving its HSE regulation system by revising laws and standards, and entitling regulatory organizations with new functions; at the same time, more companies in China are aware of the importance of HSE management and accreditation. At the current stage, the legal systems in China are effective in terms of improving awareness of and investment in HSE management. However, there is a long way to go before effective HSE management system implementation and mature HSE culture in place. From the experience of HSE legislation and management in Australia, we find that HSE culture and implementation are essential to the healthy development of the gas industry. We conclude that HSE regulation and management would benefit greatly from guidance on how to form HSE management system and cultivate sustainability culture, as well as from the further development of feasible performance measures.