In September 2013, the State Council released its ever-stringent air policy, China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013-2017) to launch a national battle against air pollution. The Action Plan not only sets stringent targets for air quality improvement, but also raises the coal consumption control policy, as one of the key measures to improve air quality.

This study shows that coal consumption control can significantly contribute to both air pollution control and Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) reduction. The CO2 reduction co-benefits brought by such policy may vary via implementing different coal use substitution plans. This study suggests that local governments should consider maximizing the CO2 reduction co-benefits when designing coal consumption reduction and substitution plans.