Govts given more environmental responsibilities

The draft amendment increases punishments by handing down criminal sanctions to those responsible for trying to escape supervision when having to comply with laws. Those responsible for environmental pollution accidents by producing or using pesticides that are banned by the government will also face harsher punishment.

Institutions carrying out environmental evaluations for construction projects will bear joint liability if they are fraudulent in the service they offer, says the draft amendment.

Soil contamination is also addressed in the amendment, which says the state will establish a system to survey, monitor, evaluate and restore the soil environment.

The law has not been revised since it took effect in 1989. Over the past 24 years, the country has faced a deteriorating environment, with poor air, water and soil quality, as well as a more vulnerable ecosystem, which has affected people's health and everyday lives.

The Chinese government and the ruling Communist Party have stressed the importance of environmental protection in recent years and have taken strict measures.

However, in a report to the NPC Standing Committee, the NPC's Law Committee said some major problems still exist. Some local governments overlooked environmental protection and concentrated on economic development.

The cost of breaking laws is too low, while public awareness of the environment needs to be strengthened, said the report.

The Law Committee said the draft amendment will be further improved after collecting opinions from senior legislators and related departments during the session.