GUIYANG, April 13 -- Guizhou Province will punish officials whose decisions cause environmental damage, local authorities said on Monday.

According to the newly issued government ruling, officials at every level of the Communist Party of China committee and the government will be held accountable if the environment in their administrative areas gets worse.

Public outcry caused by environmental damage can also be grounds for punishment.

The ruling specifically tightens regulation on environmental impact assessment and punishes those who tamper with the process.

The penalties, ranging from request for public apologies to removal from posts, will constitute a crucial part for the overall evaluation of every official, according to the ruling.