Draft law seeks stiff penalty for polluters
Source: Xinhua |
June 27, 2013, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE draft amendment to the environmental protection law, tabled for a second reading yesterday, calls for a harsher punishment on polluters and highlights the public's right to know and participate.
The bill was submitted to the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which runs until Saturday.
The bill wants harsher punishment on polluters, compared with the version that was tabled for the first reading in August.
According to the bill, companies and organizations, which intentionally escape supervision and discharge pollutants, will be prosecuted if they violate the law.
Those whose activities are not serious enough for criminal prosecution will be punished according to the law on penalties for administration of public security, for instance, being put under administrative detention.
A new chapter has been added to protect the public's right to know about environment.
According to the bill, governments of all levels should publicize environmental information and facilitate the participation of and supervision by citizens and institutions in environmental protection.
Polluters are required to publish information about the pollutants they discharge and how they control it.
The bill also introduces public interest litigation by authorizing the All-China Environment Federation and its provincial branches to initiate lawsuits against polluters on behalf of the public.
County governments are required to install waste processing facilities in the countryside, and efforts should be made to regulate the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Besides harsher punishment, the bill has measures to encourage law-abiding and eco-friendly enterprises. Governments will be urged to offer preferential policies in tax and loans to enterprises that have a good record in reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
The attempt to amend the environmental protection law was considered important to conserve the country's resources and curb pollution.
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