Abstract: Based on the data from survey in China Economist held in 2016 winter, compared with the results held in the second quarter of 2010, we analyzed the changes in environmental regulations in China and economic regulation impact on regional economic development. The latest survey shows the increasing trend of environmental regulation stringency and there is room for continuing improvement. Few areas show the characteristics of environmental Kuznets curve but in most areas, the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution is positive linked. Environmental carrying capacity in the Western region is weaker than east and middle areas. Economists from west district prefer to get governmental assistance to improve the environment. Since 2010, environment-related laws and regulations have greatly improved, but the implementation of environmental regulation has become the primary factor to settle. Optimizing the performance evaluation indicators of local government and improving environment monitoring ability are needed. Most economists believe the establishment of emission limits and penalty for surplus is valid. Economists also support emission permit trading system, but they prefer companies bidding for the initial pollution emission permits. In terms of variant pollutants, contrary to the 2010 survey, air pollution has been a substitute for greenhouse gas as the most urgent need for governance.

Key words: environmental regulation, regional economy, economic growth