Feedback sought on drafts of ecology code

The compilation of China's environment and ecology code is progressing smoothly, with feedback already being sought from various industries on drafts of its sections, according to an official from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.

Over the past year, Chinese lawmakers have extensively gathered research material from domestic and international sources while considering theoretical outcomes and monitoring practical developments at home and abroad. This has led to the drafting of several sections of the code, said Huang Haihua, an official with the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission.

"During the drafting process, we also communicated with environmental and legal experts, visited ecological areas and held symposiums to gather suggestions from relevant government departments," he said ahead of this year's two sessions, the annual meetings of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies that will be held early next month.

Huang said the drafts are currently being further revised and optimized after in-depth research was conducted and various frameworks on the structure of chapters, key issues and operational mechanisms of the code were deliberated on.

"In short, the compilation of the code, which aims to regulate environmental and ecological affairs, is progressing steadily," he said.

The compilation, along with the formulation and amendment of several other environmental laws, is also intended to implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. This concept, promoted by President Xi, advocates for balanced and sustainable development with a focus on the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

If passed, the code will become China's second piece of legislation to be officially titled a "code". The first law with this designation since the founding of New China in 1949 was the Civil Code, which regulates civil activities and took effect in January 2021.

With environmental issues expected to be discussed during the two sessions, the NPC Standing Committee has accelerated its legislative efforts to address public concerns in the field that have arisen in recent years.

Recent data from the NPC Standing Committee showed that six new laws were adopted last year, one of which was China's first Energy Law, which took effect on Jan 1.

Ma Zhengping, another official from the commission, said the energy law was designed to promote green and low-carbon development in the energy sector.

"In the face of enormous energy demand, supply constraints and the need for low-carbon transformation, we must vigorously develop renewable energies," he said, adding that the law aims to balance high-quality development with high-level safety from a legal perspective.

The law highlights energy security, requiring governments, enterprises, energy users and other entities to establish a comprehensive energy security responsibility system to enhance risk prevention and mitigation measures in the energy sector.

"The legislation is also aimed at improving the public's quality of life," Ma said.

Last year, the NPC Standing Committee also reviewed a draft law on national parks to better address urgent issues such as the lack of a legal framework for planning, establishment, protection, management and supervision.

In addition to enriching its legislative toolbox, China's handling of environmental cases has improved.

The Supreme People's Court announced late last year that the number of environmental adjudication divisions, including panels and tribunals, has grown to over 2,800, up from 134 in 2014, making China's judicial system the most extensive of its kind globally.