Environmental protection experience of secretaries and effectiveness of environmental governance: Evidence from COD discharge in China

Utilizing the firm-level data from the Chinese industrial sector between 1998 and 2010 and taking COD (chemical oxygen demand) regulation as an example, this study investigates the impact of previous environmental protection experience among prefecture-level Communist Party secretaries on the effectiveness of environmental governance within their respective jurisdictions. The study reveals that secretaries' previous environmental protection experience has led to a reduction in COD discharge intensity. The duration of the previous environmental protection experience is selected as an instrumental variable, and endogeneity is further addressed, while the research conclusion remains unchanged. Nevertheless, this negative impact persists for only two years and presents an unclear long-term effect. The negative effect on COD discharge intensity caused by previous environmental protection experience is influenced by the mandatory regulation pressure from the central government and the overall polluting density of sub-sectors. Secretaries with previous environmental protection experience do not reduce COD discharge intensity through the punishment mechanism of increasing sewage charges. The secretaries, instead, encourage enterprises to adopt clean production technology, save water resources, and reduce the produced COD level. Additionally, secretaries place an emphasis on the treatment of wastewater pollutants, thereby reducing COD discharge intensity. The conclusions of this study can provide decision-making reference for the selection and training of local officials, aiming at environmental governance.