The objectives of this Law are to protect and improve the environment, to prevent and remedy pollution, to safeguard human health, and to promote modern development. The Law provides for: (i) the integration of environmental protection into development planning; (ii) the promotion of environmental education; (iii) the obligation of the individuals and units to protect the environment; (iv) the responibilities of Government bodies, at central, provincial, regional and municipal levels, in respect of supervision and administration of environmental protection activities.; For the purposes of supervision and administration, the competent authorities have power to: (i) formulate standards for environmental quality and the release of pollutants; (ii) establish a system of supervision and monitoring; (iii) evaluate the state of the environment and design environmental protection plans; (iv) undertake, where necessary, environmental impact assessments; (v) inspect polluting units. Appropriate measures must be taken by the competent authorities in order to; (i) safeguard natural ecosystems and habitats, rare and endangered wild animals and plants, and important conservation areas; (ii) prevent soil erosion, land degradation, agricultural pollution, and fresh and marine waters pollution. Polluting units must likewise adopt effective measures to prevent and control wastes, residues, radioactive materials, as well as noise, vibrations and electro-magnetic radiation. New industrial units must use low-waste technologies.
Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China.