The government of Shandong province is doubling the rewards and fines for cities' air pollution performance.

It will pay cities that reduce air pollution 400,000 yuan ($64,500) for each microgram of pollutant reduced per cubic meter, under an amended regulation that took effect on Friday.

"Meanwhile, fines for those whose air quality deteriorates will also be doubled," said Xue Mei, an official at the Shandong Bureau of Environmental Protection. This will encourage local governments to intensify their efforts to curb air pollution, Xue said.