China (Shanghai):

The case of Shanghai is a good example of an environmental monitoring system at the urban level. The Shanghai Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau (SEPB), established in 1979, has powers to set acceptable pollution levels, and powers to monitor and enforce the standards. Its mandate includes licensing of pollution for discharge, fee collection pollution discharge and EIA. The SEPB also has powers to assist in decision-making in regards to identification and implementation of key subprojects in Shanghai related to the environment.

Another positive aspect of the SEPB setup is the link to the national government. Assessment information is forwarded to the central government through the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA). NEPA sets minimum national standards for many pollutants, while allowing cities such as Shanghai to develop their own systems and promote higher standards.