The role of intelligent environmental supervision on corporate pollution emissions

Abstract With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, the Chinese government has substantially expanded its investment in intelligent environmental supervision. However, its effectiveness in reducing corporate pollution emissions remains unclear. Using panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2019, this study examines the impact and underlying mechanisms of intelligent environmental supervision on corporate emission reduction. The results reveal that intelligent environmental supervision significantly curbs corporate pollution emissions via two channels: stimulating green innovation and raising investment in pollution treatment. We further identify a substitution effect between government environmental information disclosure and intelligent environmental supervision. This substitution effect is more pronounced in regions with low public environmental concern and among heavily polluting firms. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the emission reduction effect is stronger for non-state-owned enterprises, heavily polluting firms, and firms with lower financial constraints, as well as those located in regions with weaker regulatory intensity and in eastern China. These findings provide robust empirical evidence to support the advancement of intelligent environmental governance.