ABSTRACT
Faced with the realization that it can no longer ignore the environmental fallout resulting from unfettered economic growth, the Chinese state has sought solutions to the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental degradation.1 Indeed, the state recognizes that environmental degradation, both directly and via its impact on economic development and public satisfaction, constitutes a growing challenge to its legitimacy to rule. As a result, the state has developed a broad array of environmental protection laws and policies and enhanced the powers of those institutions charged with environmental protection in order to control and mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid economic growth. Despite these efforts, environmental degradation continues apace. The state has responded, in part, by looking to civil society organization in the form of environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) for assistance. This response raises an important question regarding possible challenges to the traditional role of the state in China. Do ENGOs offer a solution to the environment challenges facing the leadership, or a challenge to the leadership itself?
