China's New DRaft Ecological & Environmental Code (生态环境法典) Together with An Explanation prepared by Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC

 

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China’s National People's Congress is expected to adopt a new Ecological & Environmental Code (生态环境法典). The text is long and may be accessed here (Chinese only for the moment). However, the National People's Congress has reproduced and distributed a still long but much more accessible 关于《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》的说明（摘要） [Explanation of the Draft Ecological and Environmental Law of the People's Republic of China ( Summary)]. It was prepared for the 14th National People's Congress by Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, which was originally delivered to the 4th Session of the 14th NCP on 5 March 2026.  受十四届全国人大常委会委托，全国人大常委会副委员长李鸿忠3月5日向十四届全国人大四次会议作关于《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》的说明。

As explained on the China Daily website:

 【知识点】

生态环境法典是我国第二部以“法典”命名的法律。2025年4月，生态环境法典草案整体亮相。2026年3月，生态环境法典草案提请十四届全国人大四次会议审议。

法典是新时代的法治标识。这部法典的编纂，不是简单的法律汇编，也不是完全的新立新定，而是对现有的生态环境法律制度机制和规则规范的系统整合、编订纂修、集成升华。

据介绍，法典的编纂主要包括三个方面：一是将现行的环境保护、污染防治方面的法律纳入法典，出台后不再保留原法律；二是现行的有关流域、区域、自然资源、生物多样性以及循环经济、节约能源等方面的法律制度规范，择其要旨要则体现到法典中；三是对于应对气候变化、碳达峰碳中和、绿色低碳发展等方面的法治需求，法典就此作出一些原则性、引领性规定，为今后我国相关法律制度建设留有空间，以体现法典的时代性、前瞻性。

【重要指示】

在全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程上，要保持加强生态文明建设的战略定力，注重同步推进高质量发展和高水平保护，以“双碳”工作为引领，推动能耗双控逐步转向碳排放双控，持续推进生产方式和生活方式绿色低碳转型，加快推进人与自然和谐共生的现代化，全面推进美丽中国建设。

 [Key Points]

The Ecological and Environmental Code is China's second law to be named a "code." In April 2025, the draft of the Ecological and Environmental Code was unveiled. In March 2026, the draft was submitted to the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress for deliberation.

A code is a symbol of the rule of law in the new era. The compilation of this code is not a simple compilation of laws, nor is it entirely new legislation; rather, it is a systematic integration, revision, and enhancement of existing ecological and environmental legal systems, mechanisms, rules, and norms.

According to reports, the compilation of the code mainly includes three aspects: First, it incorporates existing laws on environmental protection and pollution prevention into the code, and the original laws will not be retained after its promulgation; second, it selects the essential points of existing laws and regulations concerning river basins, regions, natural resources, biodiversity, circular economy, and energy conservation, and reflects them in the code; third, regarding the legal needs of addressing climate change, achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and green and low-carbon development, the code makes some principled and guiding provisions, leaving room for the future construction of relevant legal systems in my country, thus reflecting the code's timeliness and forward-looking nature. [Important Instructions]

On the new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects, we must maintain our strategic resolve to strengthen ecological civilization construction, focus on simultaneously promoting high-quality development and high-level protection, take "dual carbon" work as the guide, promote the gradual shift from dual control of energy consumption to dual control of carbon emissions, continuously promote the green and low-carbon transformation of production and lifestyles, accelerate the modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and comprehensively advance the construction of a beautiful China.

When one thinks about human rights in China, one thinks development (modernization) and ecological civilization. Development was the subject of the 3rd and 4th Plenum in 2024 ans 2025. Ecological civilization has now been reformed to fall within a cage of regulation giving effect to the ideological line of the CPC now almost a generation in the making. The Explanation follows below in the original Chinese and in an English translation.

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关于《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》的说明（摘要）

时间：2026-03-06　　作者：　　来源：新华社

【字体：大　中　小】

新华社北京3月5日电 受十四届全国人大常委会委托，全国人大常委会副委员长李鸿忠3月5日向十四届全国人大四次会议作关于《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》的说明。说明摘要如下：

一、编纂生态环境法典的重大意义

编纂生态环境法典是以习近平同志为核心的党中央部署的重大政治任务和立法任务。党的二十届三中全会明确提出“编纂生态环境法典”。生态环境法典的编纂，是通过对现行生态环境法律制度规范进行系统整合、编订纂修、集成升华，形成一部以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平生态文明思想为引领，具有中国特色、体现时代特点、反映人民意愿、系统规范协调的法典。这是一项系统的、重大的立法工程。

改革开放40多年特别是党的十八大以来生态文明建设的创新发展，为编纂生态环境法典奠定了良好的实践基础、制度基础和社会基础。一是党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央把生态文明建设作为关系中华民族永续发展的根本大计，开展一系列开创性工作，决心之大、力度之大、成效之大前所未有，生态文明建设从理论到实践都发生了历史性、转折性、全局性变化，实现由重点整治到系统治理、被动应对到主动作为、全球环境治理参与者到引领者、实践探索到科学理论指导的重大转变，美丽中国建设迈出重大步伐，新时代生态文明建设的成就举世瞩目，为编纂生态环境法典提供了实践基础和宝贵经验。二是党的十八大以来，生态环境法律制度与时俱进、完善发展，整体实现“升级换代”，取得重大成就，现行有效的30多部生态环境法律、100余件行政法规、1000多件地方性法规，以及相关的司法解释、规章制度、政策措施，为运用法治方式推进生态文明建设提供了保障，也为编纂生态环境法典提供了坚实基础。三是绿水青山就是金山银山的理念已经深入人心，保护生态环境、形成绿色低碳生产生活方式已经成为全社会的共识，人民群众对生态环境质量的期望值更高，希望用最严格制度、最严密法治保护生态环境、推动绿色发展。

进入新时代新征程，编纂生态环境法典，将党的十八大以来生态文明建设理论、制度、实践成果以法典化的方式确定下来，完善生态环境法律制度体系，具有重大而深远的意义。

（一）编纂生态环境法典是贯彻落实习近平生态文明思想，推进人与自然和谐共生的现代化的必然要求

习近平生态文明思想是我们党不懈探索生态文明建设的理论升华和实践结晶，是马克思主义基本原理同中国生态文明建设实践相结合、同中华优秀传统生态文化相结合的重大成果。这一重要思想来源于实践又指导实践，对生态文明建设的总体思路、重大原则、目标任务、路径方法作出全面谋划，为新时代推进生态文明建设提供了根本遵循和行动指南。中国式现代化是人与自然和谐共生的现代化，对生态文明建设提出了新的更高要求。当前我国生态文明建设同时面临实现生态环境根本好转和碳达峰碳中和两大战略任务，仍处于压力叠加、负重前行的关键期，推进美丽中国建设、推进人与自然和谐共生的现代化的任务依然艰巨。编纂生态环境法典，全面贯彻习近平生态文明思想，把新时代生态文明建设的理论、制度、实践成果通过法典编纂的方式予以系统体现，有利于进一步彰显习近平生态文明思想的指导地位，确保生态文明建设始终沿着正确方向前进，对于全面推进美丽中国建设、加快推进人与自然和谐共生的现代化具有重大意义。

（二）编纂生态环境法典是坚持全面依法治国，在法治轨道上推进新时代生态文明建设的必要举措

坚持全面依法治国要求把生态文明建设纳入制度化、法治化轨道，以良法保障善治。我国生态环境法律制度为生态文明建设提供切实的法治保障，具有涉及面广、体量大、内容多的特点，既涉及生态环境监督管理体制机制和基本监督管理制度，又有污染防治、生态保护、绿色低碳发展等方面的内容。编纂生态环境法典，既不是简单的法律汇编，也不是完全的新立新定，而是以法典化立法方式对我国现有的生态环境法律制度机制和规则规范进行系统整合、编订纂修、集成升华，适应新形势新要求进行必要的制度创新，增强我国生态环境法律制度的系统性、整体性、协同性、时效性，编纂出一部经得起历史和实践检验的高质量法典。这对于推进全面依法治国，在法治轨道上进一步推进新时代生态文明建设，更好发挥法治固根本、稳预期、利长远的保障作用，具有重大意义。

（三）编纂生态环境法典是贯彻新发展理念，同步推进高质量发展和高水平保护的客观要求

推动经济社会发展绿色化、低碳化是实现高质量发展的关键环节，是解决我国生态环境问题的基础之策。习近平总书记指出：“高质量发展和高水平保护是相辅相成、相得益彰的。高水平保护是高质量发展的重要支撑，生态优先、绿色低碳的高质量发展只有依靠高水平保护才能实现。”编纂生态环境法典，就是要站在人与自然和谐共生的高度，统筹考虑大气、水、土壤等生态环境要素，坚持山水林田湖草沙一体化保护和系统治理，协同推进降碳、减污、扩绿、增长，针对生态环境领域制约高质量发展与高水平保护的共性、综合性或者普遍性的问题，完善生态环境领域的通用性制度规范，集成优化污染防治法律制度规范，统领协调生态保护法律制度规范，并对绿色低碳发展、应对气候变化、碳达峰碳中和等方面作出原则性、引领性规定，完善生态环境领域法律责任制度。这对于贯彻新发展理念，同步推进高质量发展与高水平保护意义重大，有助于更好实现在发展中保护、在保护中发展。

（四）编纂生态环境法典是坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，增进民生福祉的必然要求

生态文明建设是关系党的使命宗旨的重大政治问题，是关系民生福祉的重大社会问题。习近平总书记指出：“对人的生存来说，金山银山固然重要，但绿水青山是人民幸福生活的重要内容，是金钱不能替代的。”随着我国社会主要矛盾转化为人民日益增长的美好生活需要和不平衡不充分的发展之间的矛盾，人民群众对优美生态环境的需要已经成为这一矛盾的重要方面。新时代生态文明建设取得了举世瞩目的成就，生态环境质量持续改善，但生态环境保护任务依然艰巨，实践中仍然面临一些新情况新问题。编纂生态环境法典，积极适应新形势新要求，认真倾听人民群众的意见和呼声，着力为解决好人民群众反映强烈的突出生态环境问题提供法治保障，让美丽中国建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民，是践行党的宗旨的必然要求，对于不断增强人民群众的获得感、幸福感和安全感具有十分重要的意义。

（五）编纂生态环境法典是完善中国特色社会主义法律体系，使法律体系更加科学完备、统一权威的内在要求

中国特色社会主义法律体系是动态的、开放的、发展的。习近平总书记在2021年中央人大工作会议上的重要讲话中指出：“时代在进步，实践在发展，不断对法律体系建设提出新需求，法律体系必须与时俱进加以完善。”编纂生态环境法典，适应中国特色社会主义法律体系建设的新要求，不仅对完善生态环境法律制度具有重大意义，也必将对推动中国特色社会主义法律体系不断完善产生深远影响。生态环境法典编纂出台后，我国将形成以生态环境法典为统领，相关专门法律共同组成的生态环境法律制度体系，使中国特色社会主义法律体系与时俱进，更加科学完备、统一权威。

二、编纂生态环境法典的总体要求和基本原则

以习近平同志为核心的党中央高度重视生态环境法典编纂工作，将编纂生态环境法典列入党中央重要工作议程。为做好法典编纂工作，全国人大常委会党组先后四次向党中央请示和报告，就生态环境法典编纂工作的总体考虑、工作安排、体例结构、重要内容等进行汇报。2025年3月，习近平总书记主持召开中央政治局常委会会议，听取审议并原则同意全国人大常委会党组关于生态环境法典草案的请示，对生态环境法典编纂工作作出重要指示，为生态环境法典编纂工作提供了指引和遵循。

编纂生态环境法典的指导思想是：坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，深入贯彻落实党的二十大和二十届历次全会精神，坚持党的领导、人民当家作主、依法治国有机统一，紧紧围绕统筹推进“五位一体”总体布局和协调推进“四个全面”战略布局，聚焦建设更加完善的中国特色社会主义法治体系、建设更高水平的社会主义法治国家，总结实践经验，适应时代要求，同步推进高质量发展和高水平保护，对我国现行的污染防治、生态保护、绿色低碳发展等方面的生态环境法律制度机制和规则规范进行全面系统的编订纂修，形成一部以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平生态文明思想为引领，具有中国特色、体现时代特点、反映人民意愿、系统规范协调的生态环境法典，为全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现第二个百年奋斗目标，以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴提供完备的生态环境法治保障。

贯彻上述指导思想，切实做好生态环境法典编纂工作，必须遵循以下基本原则：一是坚持正确政治方向。把习近平生态文明思想作为生态环境法典编纂的魂和纲，全面体现这一重要思想的核心要义、丰富内涵和实践要求，贯彻落实党中央关于生态文明建设的决策部署，贯彻落实习近平法治思想，充分发挥生态环境法典在深化生态文明体制改革、推进美丽中国建设中的重要作用。二是坚持以人民为中心。良好的生态环境是最公平的公共产品，是最普惠的民生福祉。生态环境法典编纂必须以满足人民群众对优美生态环境的需要为出发点和落脚点，推动解决人民群众反映强烈的突出生态环境问题，积极回应人民群众对良好生态环境的新期待新要求，实现好、维护好、发展好最广大人民的根本利益。三是坚持从国情和实际出发。立足中国特色社会主义基本国情和中国式现代化伟大实践，实事求是、稳中求进，紧紧围绕人与自然和谐共生的美丽中国建设目标要求，充分认识和适应我国经济社会发展已进入加快绿色化、低碳化的高质量发展阶段新要求，系统考虑污染防治、生态保护、绿色低碳发展、国际影响等实际需要，既立足当下，又着眼长远，全面梳理总结我国生态文明建设的经验，把成熟的、看得准的编入生态环境法典，充分体现生态环境领域的最新实践成果，增强法律规范的针对性、适用性、可操作性；对于还看不准、需要继续探索实践的，可以作出原则性规定，保持法律制度规范一定的开放性、兼容性、适应性。四是坚持树立历史眼光和世界眼光。汲取中华优秀传统生态文化中蕴含的智慧和理念，借鉴人类生态文明法治建设的有益成果，使生态环境法典具有鲜明的中国特色、时代特色，为世界生态环境治理贡献中国智慧、中国方案。五是坚持科学立法、民主立法、依法立法。遵循立法工作规律和法典编纂规律，统筹立、改、废，妥善处理好生态环境法典内部、外部制度规范的协调统一，增强我国生态环境法律制度规范的系统性、整体性、协同性、时效性。积极践行全过程人民民主，认真听取各方面意见建议，广泛凝聚立法共识。

三、生态环境法典编纂工作情况

全国人大常委会坚决贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示和党中央决策部署，高度重视生态环境法典编纂工作，将编纂生态环境法典列入常委会立法规划和年度立法工作计划。赵乐际委员长多次主持召开常委会党组会议，对做好生态环境法典编纂工作和生态环境法典各草案稿进行研究。成立生态环境法典编纂领导小组，李鸿忠副委员长任组长，全国人大宪法和法律委员会、环境与资源保护委员会、常委会法制工作委员会主要负责同志任副组长，全国人大环境与资源保护委员会、常委会法制工作委员会、生态环境部、国家发展和改革委员会、司法部、自然资源部、国家林业和草原局、最高人民法院、最高人民检察院、中国法学会等单位有关负责同志任成员，统筹协调法典编纂中的重要问题。2023年11月3日，李鸿忠副委员长主持召开生态环境法典编纂领导小组会议，正式启动生态环境法典编纂工作。2023年11月7日，召开生态环境法典编纂工作专班会议，宣布组建工作专班，具体负责编纂起草工作。工作专班由全国人大常委会法制工作委员会牵头负责，全国人大常委会法制工作委员会主要负责同志任专班组长，全国人大常委会法制工作委员会、全国人大环境与资源保护委员会有关负责同志任专班副组长，集中全国人大常委会法制工作委员会、全国人大环境与资源保护委员会工作机构、生态环境部、国家发展和改革委员会、司法部、自然资源部、国家林业和草原局的业务骨干，并吸收有关高等学校、科研院所的专家学者参加。同时，为更好凝聚广大专家学者的智慧，根据生态环境法典编纂领导小组会议精神，成立了生态环境法典编纂专家委员会，为法典编纂工作提供智库智力支持。

生态环境法典编纂工作正式启动后，工作专班在常委会党组的领导下，扎实开展法典编纂工作。全面深入学习习近平生态文明思想和党中央关于生态文明建设的决策部署，持续跟进学习习近平总书记关于生态文明建设的最新重要讲话精神，从全局和战略高度研究和把握生态环境领域问题，并贯彻落实到法典研究和编纂工作中。广泛收集整理国内外研究资料，密切关注国内外理论研究成果和实践发展情况，深入研究生态环境法典编纂工作的特点，积极与生态环境法学界进行沟通交流，通过召开座谈会、调研走访等方式认真听取有关方面和专家学者的意见建议。针对法典的篇章结构、重点难点问题、具体制度等，进行全方位、多角度的深入研讨、总体设计和方案比选。在此基础上，形成了生态环境法典各编草案（征求意见稿），经全国人大常委会党组审议后，发往有关中央国家机关、各省（自治区、直辖市）人大常委会、学术研究机构和全国人大各专门委员会、常委会工作机构等共132家单位征求意见，并赴有关地方进行调研，听取意见。工作专班根据各有关方面反馈的意见对法典各编草案稿作了进一步的修改完善，并就一些重点问题与法典编纂领导小组成员单位等有关部门进行密切沟通，广泛凝聚共识。经反复研究和修改完善后，形成了生态环境法典草案。

按照党中央和全国人大常委会确定的生态环境法典编纂工作安排，2025年4月，生态环境法典草案提请十四届全国人大常委会第十五次会议初次审议，这是草案整体审议。2025年9月，十四届全国人大常委会第十七次会议对生态环境法典草案进行分拆审议，即对草案第一编“总则”、第三编“生态保护”、第四编“绿色低碳发展”进行了第二次审议。2025年10月，十四届全国人大常委会第十八次会议对生态环境法典草案继续进行分拆审议，即对草案第二编“污染防治”、第五编“法律责任和附则”进行了第二次审议。2025年12月，报经党中央原则同意后，将之前分拆审议并修改完善的各编草案，重新合为一个整体，形成完整的生态环境法典草案三次审议稿。十四届全国人大常委会第十九次会议对生态环境法典草案进行了第三次审议，并决定提请十四届全国人大四次会议审议。

生态环境法典草案经全国人大常委会审议后，包括整体审议和分拆审议，均通过中国人大网向社会公布，征求公众意见；同时通过代表工作平台征求全国人大代表的意见，并征求了有关部门、地方、研究机构、基层立法联系点的意见。赴多地开展调研，听取意见建议，并就重点难点问题多次组织召开专题座谈会，听取有关方面的意见建议。生态环境法典草案经全国人大常委会第三次审议后，全国人大常委会办公厅将草案印发全国人大代表，组织部署全国人大代表研读讨论并征求意见。各方面普遍认为，生态环境法典草案全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平生态文明思想，充分体现和反映新时代生态文明建设理论、制度、实践成果，体例结构合理、条款内容丰富，务实可行，为机构及其职责的调整留有必要的空间，较好地处理了与有关法律的关系，具有鲜明的时代特征和中国特色。

2026年1月30日，全国人大宪法和法律委员会召开会议，根据全国人大常委会审议意见、代表研读讨论中提出的意见和各方面的意见，对生态环境法典草案作了进一步修改完善。全国人大宪法和法律委员会认为，经过全国人大常委会多次会议审议、广泛征求意见和反复修改完善，生态环境法典草案充分吸收各方面的意见建议，已经比较成熟。据此，形成了提请本次会议审议的《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》。

四、生态环境法典草案的主要内容

综合考虑生态环境法律制度体系、理论研究现状和工作实践情况，生态环境法典编纂采取了适度法典化的模式，编纂工作分三类情况分别处理，具体考虑是：第一类情况，将现行的环境保护法、环境影响评价法、清洁生产促进法、海洋环境保护法和大气污染防治法、水污染防治法、土壤污染防治法、固体废物污染环境防治法、噪声污染防治法、放射性污染防治法等10部法律经编订纂修，全部纳入生态环境法典。法典编纂出台后，上述法律不再保留。第二类情况，将现行有关流域、区域、自然资源、生物多样性等生态要素、生态系统方面和循环经济、节约能源等方面的法律制度规范，择其要旨要则纳入或者体现到生态环境法典之中。这些方面的现行法律主要有森林法、草原法、湿地保护法、海岛保护法、土地管理法、黑土地保护法、矿产资源法、水法、渔业法、海域使用管理法、深海海底区域资源勘探开发法、野生动物保护法、国家公园法、长江保护法、黄河保护法、青藏高原生态保护法、水土保持法、防沙治沙法以及循环经济促进法、能源法、节约能源法、可再生能源法等。这些法律在生态环境法典编纂出台后将继续保留，因此，法典相关规定内容需要统筹协调，并保持一定的开放性、兼容性。第三类情况，考虑应对气候变化、碳达峰碳中和、绿色低碳发展等方面的法治需求，而目前这些方面尚未制定专门法律。编纂生态环境法典，宜就此作出一些原则性、引领性规定，为今后我国相关法律制度建设和实践发展确定原则、奠定基础、留有空间，以体现法典的时代性、前瞻性。

《中华人民共和国生态环境法典（草案）》共5编、1242条，各编依次为：总则、污染防治、生态保护、绿色低碳发展、法律责任和附则。

（一）总则编

第一编“总则”规定生态环境领域的重要法律原则和基础性、综合性、普遍性的法律制度，统领其他各编。原则上将适用于第二编“污染防治”、第三编“生态保护”、第四编“绿色低碳发展”的通用性制度规范，如生态环境领域规划、标准、监测、影响评价、突发生态环境事件应对等，提炼归纳在第一编“总则”中规定。同时，注重处理好与有关法律的关系，将现行环境保护法、环境影响评价法的主要内容编纂进第一编“总则”，并吸收长江保护法、黄河保护法、青藏高原生态保护法等近年来新制定、修改的法律所规定的有关新制度内容。此外，第一编“总则”积极总结生态环境保护工作中的实践经验，将各方面认识较为一致、比较成熟的做法上升为法律规定，体现法典的实践性。

第一编共9章、147条，主要内容有：

1.关于基本规定。第一编第一章“基本规定”，主要内容有：一是明确了生态环境法典的立法目的，规定了“全面推进美丽中国建设，加快推进人与自然和谐共生的现代化，实现中华民族永续发展”的目标要求（草案第一条）。二是规定了生态环境定义、法典适用范围、党的领导、基本国策等内容（草案第二条至第五条）。三是确立了生态环境保护的基本原则，即预防为主、系统治理、生态优先、绿色发展、公众参与、损害担责（草案第六条）。四是规定了生态环境保护各方面的责任与义务、表彰奖励、国际合作等内容（草案第七条至第十四条）。此外，对全国生态日作了专门规定（草案第十五条），不再保留现行环境保护法关于“每年6月5日为环境日”的规定。

2.关于监督管理。第一编第二章“监督管理”，主要内容有：一是监督管理体制和工作机制，包括政府和有关部门的职责、责任清单制度、河湖长制与林长制、协调联动机制、跨行政区域的联合保护协调机制、生态安全工作协调机制、信息共享等（草案第一编第二章第一节）。二是监督管理制度，主要规定生态环境监管制度的一般性规范，包括目标责任制和考核评价制度、生态环境保护督察、人大监督、生态环境司法、各有关机关执法配合、自然资源资产离任审计、主体功能区制度体系、资源总量管理和全面节约制度、自然资源资产产权制度和管理制度体系、生态产品价值实现机制、三水统筹与水资源刚性约束制度、生物多样性保护、自然保护地体系、区域流域保护、重点海域综合治理、农业生态环境保护、现场检查、行政强制、生态环境信用监管制度等（草案第一编第二章第二节）。

3.关于规划和生态环境分区管控。第一编第三章“规划和生态环境分区管控”，主要对规划体系、规划编制的程序性要求、生态保护红线管理制度和生态环境分区管控制度等作了规定。

4.关于标准和监测。第一编第四章“标准和监测”，主要对生态环境领域标准体系、生态环境基准和生态环境监测制度等作了规定。

5.关于生态环境影响评价。第一编第五章“生态环境影响评价”，分为一般规定、规划的生态环境影响评价、建设项目的生态环境影响评价三节，将现行环境保护法的有关内容和环境影响评价法的内容纳入，并充分考虑实践发展，作出以下重要修改完善：一是将温室气体排放纳入生态环境影响评价管理（草案第八十二条）。二是要求从事生态环境影响评价业务的技术单位依法独立客观公正开展业务，建立健全质量控制制度，关键岗位人员应当具有相关专业技术水平和从业经历；对技术单位实行备案管理并加强监督管理（草案第九十九条）。三是明确生态环境主管部门对生态环境影响报告书（表）不予批准的具体情形（草案第一百零五条）。四是增加规定建设项目运行过程中应当实施生态环境影响报告书（表）及其审批部门审批意见中提出的生态环境保护对策措施（草案第一百零八条）。

6.关于生态保护补偿。第一编第六章“生态保护补偿”，对生态保护补偿的制度机制，包括财政纵向补偿、地区间横向补偿、市场机制补偿等作了规定。

7.关于突发生态环境事件应对。第一编第七章“突发生态环境事件应对”，对突发生态环境事件应对工作的总体要求、应对责任体系、监测预警、通报和应急联动等作了规定。

8.关于保障措施。第一编第八章“保障措施”，主要规定有关生态环境保护的财政、税收、价格、采购、金融、产业等保障措施。

9.关于信息公开与公众参与。第一编第九章“信息公开与公众参与”，主要对政府生态环境信息公开、企业事业单位和其他生产经营者生态环境信息公开制度，以及保障公众参与、鼓励公众监督等作了规定。

（二）污染防治编

第二编“污染防治”对现行大气污染防治法、水污染防治法、土壤污染防治法、固体废物污染环境防治法、噪声污染防治法、放射性污染防治法和环境保护法、海洋环境保护法等法律中关于污染防治的规定，进行系统整合、编订纂修、集成优化。一是将现行法律规定的污染防治共性制度总结提炼为通则、一般规定，并将实践证明行之有效的成熟的污染防治经验上升为法律制度规定。二是在体例结构上，首先考虑蓝天、碧水、净土保卫战三大污染防治攻坚战，其次是固体废物、噪声、放射性污染源的治理，然后是对化学物质、电磁辐射、光等新领域污染防治问题作出针对性制度规定。

第二编共9个分编、36章、526条，主要内容有：

1.关于通则。第二编第一分编规定了通则，分为“一般规定”、“排污许可管理”2章，主要内容有：一是总结提炼污染防治共性制度，要求排放污染物的单位和个人采取有效措施防治污染（草案第一百五十条），强调排放污染物应当符合污染物排放标准、重点污染物排放总量控制指标、排污许可管理和有关法律、法规、规章的要求（草案第一百五十一条），禁止通过逃避监管的方式排放污染物（草案第一百六十四条），强化农业农村污染防治（草案第一百七十条、第一百七十一条），规定污染防治责任制度、污染物排放标准、重点污染物排放总量控制制度、“三同时”制度、排污口设置使用要求等（草案第一百五十二条至第一百五十八条、第一百六十二条、第一百六十三条等）。二是增加规定污染防治总体要求（草案第一百四十九条），增加规定国家建立健全以排污许可制为核心的固定污染源监督管理制度，并对分类管理等排污许可管理具体制度作出规定（草案第二编第二章）。同时，增加对农业面源污染突出区域强化系统治理的要求等（草案第一百七十二条等）。

2.关于大气污染防治。第二编第二分编规定了大气污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“大气污染防治措施”、“重点区域大气污染联合防治”和“重污染天气应对”4章。草案在大气污染防治法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是明确防治大气污染应当调整交通运输结构（草案第一百八十九条）。二是鼓励、支持采用超低排放等技术减少大气污染物的排放（草案第二百一十二条）。三是加强挥发性有机物大气污染防治，增加制定挥发性有机物含量限值标准、低挥发性有机物含量标识制度等（草案第二百一十三条、第二百一十五条）。四是强化机动车船、非道路移动机械等大气污染防治，加强重型货车大气污染防治和机动车船、非道路移动机械等排放检验造假的监管，明确船舶的大气污染物排放状况等监督检查要求（草案第二编第四章第三节）。五是增加规定地方各级人民政府应当科学精准加强秸秆、落叶等焚烧的组织、指导和管理，明确禁止在人口集中地区、机场周围、交通干线附近以及省级以上人民政府划定的其他区域和规定的时段露天焚烧秸秆、落叶等产生烟尘污染的物质（草案第二百四十六条）。六是解决老百姓“家门口”的油烟、恶臭等问题，增加规划、选址等要求（草案第二百四十九条、第二百五十条）。

3.关于水污染防治。第二编第三分编规定了水污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“水污染防治措施”、“饮用水水源和其他特殊水体保护”和“重点流域水污染防治”4章。草案在水污染防治法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是加强入河排污口设置和管理，完善入河排污口设置审批，增加严格控制设置入河排污口、入河排污口排查整治、共用入河排污口监测等要求（草案第二百七十五条至第二百七十八条）。二是强化地下水污染防治，增加地下水状况调查评价、地下水污染防治重点区等规定（草案第二百八十四条至第二百九十条）。三是明确因地制宜推进农村厕所改造，增加规定县级人民政府组织确定本行政区域的畜禽散养密集区（草案第三百零五条、第三百零九条）。四是进一步加强进入内河船舶的水污染防治，增加监测、监控、多部门联合监督管理等要求（草案第三百一十四条、第三百一十五条等）。五是增设“重点流域水污染防治”一章，规定国家加强重点流域水污染的综合治理、系统治理、源头治理，推动流域一体化保护（草案第二编第十章）。

4.关于海洋污染防治。第二编第四分编规定了海洋污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“陆源污染物海洋污染防治”、“工程建设项目海洋污染防治”、“废弃物倾倒海洋污染防治”和“船舶海洋污染防治”5章，以海洋环境保护法有关规定为基础编纂形成。

5.关于土壤污染防治。第二编第五分编规定了土壤污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“土壤污染预防”和“土壤污染风险管控和修复”3章。草案在土壤污染防治法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是明确土壤污染防治应当保障农产品质量安全、人居环境安全（草案第三百九十六条）。二是明确土壤污染状况调查应当在省、自治区、直辖市确定的时限前完成（草案第四百五十四条），授权省、自治区、直辖市规定土壤污染风险管控和修复名录中地块具体管理要求（草案第四百五十六条）。

6.关于固体废物污染防治。第二编第六分编规定了固体废物污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“工业固体废物污染防治”、“生活垃圾污染防治”、“建筑垃圾、农业固体废物等污染防治”和“危险废物污染防治”5章。草案在固体废物污染环境防治法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是增加规定国务院生态环境主管部门会同有关部门制定工业固体废物中有毒有害物质含量控制标准（草案第四百七十二条）。二是明确转移固体废物出省级行政区域利用的，应当通过固体废物污染防治信息平台等提前报送有关信息（草案第四百七十六条）。三是将“国家逐步实现固体废物零进口”修改为“国家实行固体废物零进口”（草案第四百七十八条）。四是针对建筑垃圾污染防治的突出问题，增加规定联单管理等制度（草案第五百一十八条等）。

7.关于噪声污染防治。第二编第七分编规定了噪声污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“工业噪声污染防治”、“建筑施工噪声污染防治”、“交通运输噪声污染防治”和“社会生活噪声污染防治”5章。草案在噪声污染防治法的基础上，加强建筑施工噪声污染防治，解决老百姓“家门口”的噪声问题（草案第五百七十条、第五百七十一条）。

8.关于放射性污染防治。第二编第八分编规定了放射性污染防治，分为“一般规定”、“核设施放射性污染防治”、“核技术利用放射性污染防治”、“铀（钍）矿和伴生放射性矿开发利用放射性污染防治”和“放射性废物污染防治”5章。草案在放射性污染防治法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是明确取得放射性污染监测机构资质的条件（草案第六百一十一条）。二是增加规定国家建立符合受控热核聚变特点、促进核聚变应用的放射性污染防治制度（草案第六百一十三条）。三是完善核设施环评制度（草案第六百一十六条）。四是增加规定放射性同位素和射线装置分级分类管理等制度（草案第六百二十二条等）。五是增加规定伴生放射性矿开发利用辐射环境管理名录等制度（草案第六百三十条等）。六是与原子能法、核安全法等做好衔接，完善放射性废物污染防治制度（草案第六百三十五条等）。

9.关于化学物质污染风险管控、电磁辐射和光污染防治。第二编第九分编分为“化学物质污染风险管控”、“电磁辐射污染防治”和“光污染防治”3章。该分编根据新的情况和实际需要编纂形成，既立足当下，又着眼长远，把成熟的、看得准的编入，对于还需要继续探索的，作出原则性规定：一是加强化学物质污染风险管控、建立新污染物协同治理和环境风险管控体系等（草案第二编第三十四章）。二是电磁辐射污染防治监督管理体制、产品电磁辐射限值、电磁辐射设施分类管理等（草案第二编第三十五章）。三是光污染防治监督管理体制、产品光限值、光污染防治分区管理等（草案第二编第三十六章）。

（三）生态保护编

第三编“生态保护”按照统筹经济发展和生态保护的关系、实现高质量发展与高水平保护双赢的要求，对森林、草原、湿地、海洋、海岛、江河湖泊、荒漠等生态系统，强调充分保护；对土地资源、矿产资源、水资源、渔业资源及其他自然资源，明确统筹资源保护和可持续利用。这样的体例设计，既体现了高质量发展和高水平保护的辩证统一，又尊重了不同生态要素的各自特点，有助于更好实现在发展中保护、在保护中发展。

第三编共7章、264条，主要内容有：

1.关于一般规定。第三编第一章“一般规定”，规定生态保护编一般性、原则性的内容，是生态保护编的“总纲”。其中，突出生态系统保护，明确国家加强对森林、草原、湿地、海洋、海岛、江河湖泊、荒漠、雪山冰川、耕地等生态系统的保护，推进实施重要生态系统保护和修复重大工程（草案第六百七十七条）；突出自然资源节约集约利用，明确国家统筹资源保护与开发利用，提升自然资源保护和合理利用水平（草案第六百七十八条）；突出生物多样性保护，加强种质资源保护、生物遗传资源保护和共享惠益，防范外来物种侵害（草案第六百八十二条至第六百八十五条）；强调开展生态修复应当尊重自然规律，遵循宜林则林、宜草则草、宜沙则沙、宜荒则荒的原则（草案第六百九十一条）；针对绿化树种草种选择不当损害人体健康问题，明确城乡绿化应当因地制宜，科学选择绿化树种草种（草案第六百九十二条）；强调国家坚持平等互利、合作共赢的方针，支持开展生态保护各方面的国际交流与合作（草案第六百九十六条）。

2.关于生态系统保护。第三编第二章“生态系统保护”，主要是整合规定森林法、草原法、湿地保护法、海洋环境保护法、海岛保护法中有关生态保护的内容，同时增加江河湖泊、荒漠生态系统的专门规定，提升生态系统多样性、稳定性、持续性。共分为森林、草原、湿地、海洋海岛、江河湖泊、荒漠六节。一是按照择其要旨要则的原则，将现行森林法、草原法、湿地保护法、海洋环境保护法、海岛保护法等法律中关于生态系统保护的规定纳入法典并进行了修改完善（草案第三编第二章第一节至第四节）。二是专设江河湖泊一节，明确国家加强江河湖泊生态用水保障、水域岸线分区管理、水生生物保护等，巩固提升江河湖泊生态系统的功能（草案第三编第二章第五节）。三是专设荒漠一节，在坚持防沙治沙的同时，明确加强荒漠生态系统保护，发挥荒漠生态系统防风固沙、调节气候、调控水文、保育土壤、维护生物多样性等多种功能（草案第三编第二章第六节）。

3.关于自然资源保护与可持续利用。第三编第三章“自然资源保护与可持续利用”，强调“在保护中开发，在开发中保护”，在做好保护的同时加强对资源的合理利用，使高质量发展和高水平保护相辅相成、相得益彰。共分为土地资源、矿产资源、水资源、渔业资源、其他自然资源五节。在土地资源方面，明确国家坚持实行最严格的耕地保护制度、最严格的节约集约用地制度，严守耕地保护红线（草案第七百五十九条）；实行耕地数量、质量、生态一体保护（草案第七百六十四条），对永久基本农田实行特殊保护（草案第七百六十六条），加强黑土地保护（草案第七百六十七条）。在矿产资源方面，明确国家鼓励、支持矿业绿色低碳转型发展，加强绿色矿山建设（草案第七百七十一条）。在水资源方面，要求统筹兼顾保护、开发、利用、节约水资源和防治水害（草案第七百七十八条）；强调国家厉行节水，发展节水型工业、农业和服务业，全面建设节水型社会（草案第七百七十九条、第七百九十三条）；明确国家建立健全涉及水资源开发利用的建设项目和有关规划水资源论证制度（草案第七百八十八条）。在渔业资源方面，明确渔业生产应当坚持养殖为主、适度捕捞，实现渔业资源的保护和可持续利用（草案第七百九十四条）。此外，还对林木、草原、野生动物和海洋资源等其他自然资源的开发利用管理作了规定（草案第三编第三章第五节）。

4.关于物种保护。第三编第四章“物种保护”，主要整合野生动物保护法、《野生植物保护条例》、《外来入侵物种管理办法》等的规定，分为野生动物保护、野生植物保护、外来入侵物种防控三节，规定了野生动植物的分类分级保护、外来入侵物种分类分级管理（草案第八百一十二条、第八百三十三条、第八百四十六条）；加强野生动物的栖息地保护、收容救护、放生管理和致害应对（草案第八百一十五条、第八百二十二条、第八百二十三条、第八百二十八条）；采取就地保护、迁地保护、建立种质资源库和野外回归等措施，加强野生植物及其生长环境保护（草案第八百三十二条、第八百三十四条至第八百三十六条）；明确国家完善外来物种入侵防控体系，严厉打击非法引入外来物种行为（草案第八百四十四条）。

5.关于重要地理单元保护。第三编第五章“重要地理单元保护”，将自然保护地和长江、黄河、青藏高原等重要流域、区域保护立法的相关内容加以整合规定，分为“自然保护地”和“长江、黄河、青藏高原等重要流域、区域”二节。其中，自然保护地目前尚无专门立法，根据国家公园法、《自然保护区条例》和有关中央文件，规定了自然保护地分类分级管理、设立调整、分区管控、园地共建、社会共享、生态修复（草案第八百五十九条至第八百六十五条），以及国家公园和自然保护区的季节性差别管控（草案第八百六十八条）等内容。同时，第二节既对重要流域、区域生态保护的共性制度作出规定（草案第八百七十条至第八百七十五条），又对长江、黄河、其他大江大河大湖等重要流域（草案第八百七十六条至第八百八十一条）和青藏高原、海南岛、秦岭、“三北”工程建设区等重要区域（草案第八百八十二条至第八百八十七条）的专门要求作出规定。

6.关于生态退化的预防和治理。第三编第六章“生态退化的预防和治理”，整合水土保持法、防沙治沙法的有关规定，分为水土保持、防沙治沙二节。其中，在水土保持方面，要求加强监测、采取防治措施，严格管控因人为活动造成的水土流失，并加强水土保持重点工程建设（草案第八百九十三条至第八百九十九条）。在防沙治沙方面，要求加强荒漠化综合防治，严格沙化土地所在地区活动管理，建立沙化土地封禁保护区制度等（草案第九百一十条至第九百一十五条、第九百一十八条）。

7.关于生态修复。第三编第七章“生态修复”，主要是从中央文件和现行立法中总结提炼有关生态修复的一般性规则规范，包括生态修复的规划编制、监测监督、项目验收、后期管护、成效评估等（草案第九百二十三条至第九百二十八条、第九百三十七条），同时对森林、草原、湿地、海洋、江河湖泊及入海河口、矿区的生态修复作出具体规定（草案第九百三十一条至第九百三十六条）。

（四）绿色低碳发展编

现行清洁生产促进法、循环经济促进法、能源法、节约能源法、可再生能源法等涉及环境资源经济的法律，以及全国人大常委会关于积极应对气候变化的决议，对于推动经济社会发展绿色化、低碳化发挥了重要作用。第四编“绿色低碳发展”在此基础上，进一步结合现实需要，聚焦与生态环境保护密切相关的绿色低碳发展重要领域、重要环节，建立健全绿色低碳发展相关法律制度。

第四编共4章、114条，主要内容有：

1.关于一般规定。第四编第一章规定了绿色低碳发展的总体要求和有关制度。一是明确本编的适用范围（草案第九百三十八条）。二是明确绿色低碳发展的总体要求，以及发展循环经济、能源节约与绿色低碳转型、应对气候变化等重要领域绿色低碳发展的目标导向（草案第九百三十九条至第九百四十二条）。三是明确涉及区域重大战略实施、产业发展、交通运输、建造建筑、农业农村等的绿色低碳发展有关要求（草案第九百四十三条至第九百四十七条）。四是明确国家建立健全绿色低碳标准体系，对绿色低碳产品标准实施等作出规定（草案第九百四十八条）。五是针对国家机关和其他使用财政性资金的公共机构、企业、公民等不同主体，分别规定践行绿色低碳生产生活方式的相关责任和义务（草案第九百四十九条）。六是明确对绿色低碳发展的投资、财政、金融支持措施，以及科技支撑保障、加强国际合作等有关要求（草案第九百五十条至第九百五十二条）。

2.关于发展循环经济。第四编第二章规定了发展循环经济相关法律制度。本章系统整合现行清洁生产促进法、循环经济促进法有关制度，与第二编“污染防治”有关固体废物污染防治的规定相协调。同时，进一步充实和完善废弃物循环利用、绿色消费有关规定。在有关现行法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是明确资源循环利用产业发展有关要求，将生产者责任延伸作为发展循环经济的重要制度措施（草案第九百五十六条、第九百五十九条）。二是优化清洁生产制度，完善审核结果应用、强制性审核、绿色设计、绿色包装等有关规定（草案第九百六十六条、第九百六十七条、第九百七十二条、第九百七十三条）。三是充实废弃物循环利用制度，增加新型废弃物、低值可回收物回收利用，以及再生金属加工利用、再生材料推广应用等有关规定（草案第九百七十九条、第九百八十五条、第九百八十六条、第九百九十条）。四是建立健全绿色消费制度，增加绿色消费激励机制、政府绿色采购、二手商品流通交易等有关规定，明确公民和企业的相关义务（草案第九百九十二条、第九百九十四条、第九百九十五条、第九百九十九条至第一千零一条）。

3.关于能源节约与绿色低碳转型。第四编第三章规定了能源节约与绿色低碳转型相关法律制度。草案在现行能源法、节约能源法、可再生能源法的基础上，主要作了以下修改完善：一是适应实际需要和可再生能源发展形势变化，明确能源绿色低碳发展的原则，完善农村地区可再生能源利用有关规定（草案第一千零二条、第一千零六条）。二是健全节能监督管理体制，完善固定资产投资项目节能审查、重点用能单位节能管理等有关规定（草案第一千零七条、第一千零九条、第一千零一十条）。三是强化能源绿色低碳转型要求，完善煤炭清洁高效利用、可再生能源开发利用、建立健全绿色能源消费促进机制、构建新型电力系统等有关规定（草案第一千零一十四条、第一千零一十七条、第一千零二十一条、第一千零二十二条）。

4.关于应对气候变化。第四编第四章规定了应对气候变化相关法律制度。一是规定国家坚持减缓与适应并重，采取有效措施积极应对气候变化，明确相关的监督管理体制、决策协调机制（草案第一千零二十五条至第一千零二十七条）。二是规定应对气候变化的基础性制度和有关要求（草案第一千零二十八条至第一千零三十一条）。三是明确通过碳达峰碳中和目标推动减缓气候变化，对碳排放总量和强度控制制度、推进碳达峰碳中和的原则、组织实施有关行动方案等作出规定（草案第一千零三十二条至第一千零三十四条）。四是规定减缓气候变化有关措施，明确相关部门的监管职责（草案第一千零三十五条至第一千零四十条）。五是规定适应气候变化有关措施（草案第四编第四章第三节）。六是明确应对气候变化领域的国际合作要求（草案第四编第四章第四节）。

（五）法律责任和附则编

贯彻落实最严格制度最严密法治要求，第五编“法律责任和附则”在现行法律规定的基础上，针对生态环境领域执法司法新情况新问题，采取平移、归并、衔接、提升等方式，科学、合理设置法律责任，构建更加统一完备、严格规范的法律责任体系。

第五编共3章、191条，主要内容有：

1.关于法律责任通则。第五编第一章“法律责任通则”，主要对生态环境法律责任作出总体性规定。一是第一节“一般规定”。包括归责原则、追责期限、法条竞合、新旧法适用、责任折抵、免责事由和按日计罚等具体适用规则。二是第二节“责任主体”。包括地方政府、监管部门和机构、规划编制机关和审批机关、企业事业单位、其他生产经营者、个人等违法主体，以及相应的民事、处分和刑事责任等。三是第三节“责任追究”。包括行政执法、生态环境损害赔偿、海洋生态环境损害赔偿、民事和行政公益诉讼、协商调解机制、禁止令保全措施、举证责任、支持起诉、法律援助、案件移送、执法监督等。

2.关于法律责任分则。第五编第二章“法律责任分则”第一节至第三节，主要将不同污染防治领域和生态保护领域中同样的管理制度所对应的行政处罚责任集中规定，避免重复、不一致。一是第一节“违反生态环境监测管理规定”。包括未按照规定开展自行监测，使用不符合要求的监测设施设备，生态环境监测数据弄虚作假，生态环境监测机构不具备相应条件，生产销售不符合要求的监测设施设备，干扰、破坏生态环境监测设施设备等的法律责任。二是第二节“违反生态环境影响评价管理规定”。包括建设单位未依法报批生态环境影响报告书和报告表，生态环境影响报告书和报告表内容存在重大缺陷、遗漏或者虚假，有关技术单位和人员与负责审批的部门存在利益关系，未实施生态环境保护对策措施，违反“三同时”管理规定等的法律责任。三是第三节“违反排污许可管理规定”。包括未依法取得排污许可证排放污染物，未按照排污许可证规定排放污染物，未按照规定运行和维护污染防治设施，以欺骗和贿赂等不正当手段取得排污许可证，未依法填报排污信息，超过排放标准或者排放控制总量排放污染物，以逃避监管的方式排放污染物，违法设置排污口，未按规定公开生态环境信息，未将污染防治所需资金列入工程造价，以及违法将境外固体废物、放射性废物和被放射性污染的物品输入境内等的法律责任。

第五编第二章“法律责任分则”第四节至第十一节，分别规定了违反大气、水、海洋、土壤、固体废物、噪声、放射性污染防治规定，以及违反化学物质污染风险管控、电磁辐射和光污染防治规定的各自特有的行政处罚责任。为了保障法典的体系化、严密性和责任的严格可行，这部分主要从以下三个方面进行编纂：一是对同类违法行为设置相同或者大体平衡的法律责任。二是增加责任条款，对于法典前四编中禁止性、义务性规定，均有处罚条款相对应或者作出安排，做到令行禁止。三是加大处罚力度，在现行法律相关规定基础上，根据新情况提高部分行政罚款数额，或者增加行政处罚种类。同时，对一些违法行为区分不同违法情形或者不同类型违法主体，规定相应的行政处罚责任，做到过罚相当。

第五编第二章“法律责任分则”第十二节、第十三节，考虑到生态保护、绿色低碳发展方面其他相关法律继续适用，多数法律责任在其他法律中已有规定，对违反生态保护管理规定的行为和违反绿色低碳发展管理规定的行为，采取具体规定和指引规定相结合的方式，规定了行政处罚责任。一是承接海洋环境保护法、清洁生产促进法中法律责任规定。这两部法律在法典通过后将废止，对其中涉及海洋生态环境保护、绿色低碳发展的法律责任，在草案中明确规定。比如，对于占用、损害自然岸线行为，不实施强制性清洁生产审核或者在清洁生产审核中弄虚作假等行为，规定具体的行政处罚责任（草案第一千二百一十七条、第一千二百二十二条）。二是针对生态保护、绿色低碳发展领域突出问题，回应实践需求，填补法律责任空白。比如，对未按照生态环境准入清单进行生产建设活动，未经批准擅自取用地下水，未按照规定建立废旧产品回收体系，未遵守一次性塑料制品生产销售使用规定，纳入全国碳排放权交易市场的温室气体重点排放单位未报送排放统计核算数据或者年度排放报告等行为，规定了具体的行政处罚责任（草案第一千二百一十八条、第一千二百一十九条、第一千二百二十四条、第一千二百二十六条、第一千二百二十七条）。三是作出衔接性、指引性规定。明确违反本法有关生态保护、绿色低碳义务，本法未规定行政处罚的，依照有关法律法规的规定予以处罚（草案第一千二百二十条、第一千二百二十八条）。

第五编第二章第十四节“其他违法行为”，主要规定除第二章第一节至第十三节外有关违法行为的法律责任。包括拒绝阻挠监督检查，生态环境技术服务机构弄虚作假，企业事业单位未建立污染防治责任制度，发生生态环境事故和突发生态环境事件，打击报复举报人等的法律责任。

3.关于附则。第五编第三章“附则”，主要内容包括：一是规定其他法律对生态保护、绿色低碳发展等生态环境保护相关领域有具体或者进一步规定的，适用其规定（草案第一千二百三十九条）。二是规定国家根据实际需要，对生态环境监督管理体制作出调整的，依照其规定（草案第一千二百四十条）。三是授权国务院、中央军委可以依照本法规定的原则制定有关军队生态环境保护工作的具体管理办法（草案第一千二百四十一条）。四是规定法典施行日期和同步废止的10部法律（草案第一千二百四十二条）。

[责任编辑： 贾欣然]

 

 Explanation of the Draft Ecological and Environmental Law of the People's Republic of China 

( Summary)
Date: 2026-03-06
Author:
Source: Xinhua News Agency

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Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 5 – Entrusted by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, delivered an explanation of the Draft Ecological and Environmental Law of the People's Republic of China to the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 5. The summary of the explanation is as follows:

I. The Great Significance of Compiling an Ecological and Environmental Law

Compiling an ecological and environmental law is a major political and legislative task deployed by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee clearly proposed "compiling an ecological and environmental law." The compilation of an ecological and environmental law involves systematically integrating, compiling, revising, and elevating existing ecological and environmental laws and regulations to form a law that is guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, and possesses Chinese characteristics, reflects the characteristics of the times, reflects the will of the people, and is systematically standardized and coordinated. This is a systematic and significant legislative project.

The innovative development of ecological civilization construction over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, has laid a solid practical, institutional, and social foundation for the compilation of an ecological and environmental code. First, since the 18th National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has regarded ecological civilization construction as a fundamental plan concerning the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, carrying out a series of pioneering initiatives with unprecedented determination, intensity, and effectiveness. Ecological civilization construction has undergone historic, transformative, and comprehensive changes from theory to practice, achieving a major shift from focused remediation to systematic governance, from passive response to proactive action, from participant to leader in global environmental governance, and from practical exploration to scientific theoretical guidance. The construction of a beautiful China has taken significant strides, and the achievements of ecological civilization construction in the new era are remarkable, providing a practical foundation and valuable experience for the compilation of an ecological and environmental code. Second, since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the legal framework for the ecological environment has evolved with the times and undergone continuous improvement and development. It has achieved a comprehensive "upgrade and renewal," yielding significant accomplishments. The more than 30 currently effective laws on the ecological environment—along with over 100 administrative regulations, more than 1,000 local regulations, and related judicial interpretations, institutional rules, and policy measures—provide a robust guarantee for advancing the construction of an ecological civilization through the rule of law, while also laying a solid foundation for the compilation of an Ecological Environment Code. Third, the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has taken deep root in the public consciousness. Protecting the ecological environment and fostering green, low-carbon modes of production and living have become a consensus shared by the entire society. The public now holds higher expectations regarding the quality of the ecological environment and looks to the strictest systems and the most rigorous rule of law to safeguard the environment and drive green development.

As we embark on a new era and a new journey, the compilation of an Ecological Environment Code—which codifies the theoretical, institutional, and practical achievements in ecological civilization construction realized since the 18th National Congress of the Party, thereby refining the legal system for the ecological environment—holds profound and far-reaching significance.

(I) Compiling an Ecological Environment Code is an Inevitable Requirement for Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and Advancing Modernization Characterized by Harmony Between Humanity and Nature

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization represents the theoretical sublimation and practical crystallization of our Party's unremitting exploration into the construction of an ecological civilization. It stands as a major achievement resulting from the integration of the fundamental principles of Marxism with the realities of China's ecological civilization construction and with China's excellent traditional ecological culture. Originating from practice while simultaneously guiding it, this pivotal body of thought offers a comprehensive blueprint encompassing the overall approach, major principles, objectives, tasks, pathways, and methodologies for building an ecological civilization. It serves as the fundamental basis and action guide for advancing ecological civilization construction in the new era. Chinese-style modernization is a modernization characterized by harmony between humanity and nature; as such, it places new and higher demands on the construction of an ecological civilization. Currently, my country's ecological civilization construction faces two concurrent strategic tasks: achieving a fundamental improvement in the ecological environment and realizing the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. We remain in a critical phase characterized by compounded pressures and the arduous task of moving forward under a heavy burden; consequently, the mission of building a "Beautiful China"—and thereby advancing a modernization defined by harmony between humanity and nature—remains both formidable and challenging. Compiling an Ecological Environment Code serves to comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. By systematically embodying the theoretical, institutional, and practical achievements of ecological civilization construction in the new era through the process of codification, it helps to further underscore the guiding status of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. Moreover, it ensures that the construction of ecological civilization consistently advances in the correct direction, holding profound significance for comprehensively promoting the building of a "Beautiful China" and accelerating the modernization characterized by the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

(II) Compiling an Ecological Environment Code is a Necessary Measure for Upholding Comprehensive Rule of Law and Advancing Ecological Civilization Construction in the New Era within a Framework of Law

Upholding comprehensive rule of law requires placing the construction of ecological civilization onto an institutionalized and law-based track, utilizing sound laws to safeguard effective governance. my country’s legal system for the ecological environment provides a tangible legal guarantee for the construction of ecological civilization; it is characterized by its broad scope, substantial volume, and rich content, encompassing not only the systems and mechanisms for ecological and environmental supervision and management—along with fundamental regulatory frameworks—but also provisions regarding pollution prevention and control, ecological conservation, and green, low-carbon development. The compilation of an Ecological Environment Code is neither a mere compilation of existing laws nor an entirely *de novo* legislative undertaking; rather, it employs a codification-based legislative approach to systematically integrate, organize, revise, and refine my country’s existing ecological and environmental legal systems, mechanisms, rules, and norms. It entails necessary institutional innovations to adapt to new circumstances and requirements, thereby enhancing the systematic nature, integrity, synergy, and timeliness of my country’s ecological and environmental legal framework, with the ultimate goal of producing a high-quality Code capable of withstanding the test of both history and practice. This endeavor holds profound significance for advancing comprehensive rule of law, further propelling ecological civilization construction in the new era within a legal framework, and better leveraging the safeguarding role of the rule of law—namely, its capacity to consolidate foundations, stabilize expectations, and ensure long-term benefits.

(III) Compiling an Ecological Environment Code is an Objective Requirement for Implementing the New Development Philosophy and Simultaneously Advancing High-Quality Development and High-Level Protection

Promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development constitutes a pivotal link in realizing high-quality development and serves as a fundamental strategy for resolving my country’s ecological and environmental challenges. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "High-quality development and high-level protection are mutually complementary and mutually reinforcing. High-level protection serves as a vital pillar for high-quality development; indeed, high-quality development—characterized by ecological priority, green practices, and low carbon emissions—can only be realized through high-level protection." The compilation of an Ecological and Environmental Code aims to approach the subject from the elevated perspective of the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. It seeks to comprehensively coordinate ecological and environmental elements—including the atmosphere, water, and soil—and to uphold the integrated protection and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. Furthermore, it endeavors to synergistically advance carbon reduction, pollution control, ecological expansion, and economic growth. By addressing the common, comprehensive, or systemic issues within the ecological and environmental sphere that currently constrain both high-quality development and high-level protection, the Code will refine general institutional norms in this field. It will integrate and optimize legal frameworks for pollution prevention and control, while providing overarching guidance and coordination for legal frameworks regarding ecological conservation. Moreover, it will establish guiding principles and foundational provisions for green and low-carbon development, climate change response, and the realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, thereby refining the legal liability system within the ecological and environmental domain. This undertaking holds profound significance for implementing the new development philosophy and for simultaneously advancing both high-quality development and high-level protection; it facilitates the better realization of the objective to "protect the environment while developing, and develop while protecting the environment."

(IV) Compiling an Ecological and Environmental Code is an Inevitable Requirement for Upholding a People-Centered Development Philosophy and Enhancing Public Well-being

The construction of an ecological civilization constitutes a major political issue inextricably linked to the Party's mission and purpose, as well as a major social issue bearing directly upon the well-being of the people. General Secretary Xi Jinping has noted: "For human survival, 'mountains of gold and silver' are certainly important; however, 'lucid waters and lush mountains' constitute an essential component of the people's happy lives—something that money can never replace." As the principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved into the contradiction between the people's ever-growing needs for a better life and unbalanced and inadequate development, the public's demand for a beautiful ecological environment has emerged as a critical facet of this contradiction. While the construction of an ecological civilization in the new era has yielded world-renowned achievements—marked by continuous improvements in ecological and environmental quality—the tasks associated with ecological and environmental protection remain arduous, and practical implementation continues to encounter new circumstances and challenges. Compiling an Ecological and Environmental Code—thereby actively adapting to new circumstances and requirements, earnestly heeding the opinions and voices of the people, and focusing on providing legal safeguards for resolving the prominent ecological and environmental issues about which the public has expressed strong concerns—is an inevitable requirement for fulfilling the Party's fundamental purpose. It holds immense significance for continuously enhancing the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security. (V) Compiling an Ecological and Environmental Code is an Intrinsic Requirement for Improving the Legal System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Ensuring It Becomes More Scientific, Comprehensive, Unified, and Authoritative

The legal system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is dynamic, open, and evolving. In an important speech delivered at the Central Conference on Work Related to People's Congresses in 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "As the times advance and practice evolves, new demands are constantly placed on the development of the legal system; thus, the legal system must keep pace with the times and be continuously improved." Compiling an Ecological and Environmental Code—thereby meeting the new requirements for building the legal system of socialism with Chinese characteristics—is not only of great significance for improving the legal framework for ecological and environmental protection, but will also undoubtedly exert a profound influence on driving the continuous improvement of the legal system of socialism with Chinese characteristics as a whole. Once the Ecological and Environmental Code is compiled and promulgated, my country will establish a legal system for ecological and environmental protection in which the Code serves as the overarching framework, complemented by a body of relevant specialized laws; this will ensure that the legal system of socialism with Chinese characteristics keeps pace with the times and becomes even more scientific, comprehensive, unified, and authoritative.

II. General Requirements and Basic Principles for Compiling the Ecological and Environmental Code

The Party Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, attaches great importance to the work of compiling the Ecological and Environmental Code, having placed this undertaking on the Party Central Committee's agenda of key priorities. To ensure the successful execution of this compilation work, the Leading Party Members' Group of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has submitted requests for instructions and reports to the Party Central Committee on four separate occasions, providing detailed briefings on the general considerations, work arrangements, structural format, and key contents regarding the compilation of the Ecological and Environmental Code. In March 2025, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during which he heard and deliberated upon—and, in principle, approved—the request submitted by the Leading Party Members' Group of the NPC Standing Committee regarding the draft Ecological and Environmental Code. At this meeting, he issued important instructions concerning the compilation of the Code, thereby providing authoritative guidance and a fundamental basis for this undertaking. The guiding philosophy for the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code is as follows: We must remain guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; deeply grasp the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments"; enhance the "Four Consciousnesses," strengthen the "Four Confidences," and achieve the "Two Upholds"; thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party and the plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee; and uphold the organic unity of Party leadership, the people as masters of the country, and the rule of law. We must closely center our efforts on coordinating the implementation of the "Five-sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-pronged Comprehensive Strategy"; focus on building a more完善 socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics and a higher-level socialist country under the rule of law; summarize practical experiences; adapt to the demands of the times; and simultaneously advance high-quality development and high-level ecological protection. We must conduct a comprehensive and systematic compilation and revision of my country’s existing legal systems, mechanisms, rules, and norms regarding pollution prevention and control, ecological conservation, and green and low-carbon development. The objective is to create an Ecological Environment Code—guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (specifically Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization)—that possesses distinct Chinese characteristics, reflects the spirit of the times, embodies the will of the people, and is systematic, standardized, and coherent. This Code will provide a comprehensive legal guarantee for ecological and environmental protection, thereby facilitating the full realization of a great modern socialist country, the achievement of the Second Centenary Goal, and the comprehensive advancement of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

To implement the aforementioned guiding philosophy and effectively carry out the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code, the following basic principles must be adhered to: First, uphold the correct political direction. We must regard Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization as the very soul and guiding thread of the Code's compilation, fully embodying the core essence, rich connotations, and practical requirements of this significant body of thought. We must implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee regarding ecological civilization construction, put into practice Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, and fully leverage the pivotal role of the Ecological Environment Code in deepening institutional reforms for ecological civilization and advancing the construction of a "Beautiful China." Second, adhere to a people-centered approach. A sound ecological environment constitutes the most equitable public good and the most inclusive form of public welfare. The compilation of the Ecological Environment Code must take as its starting point and ultimate goal the fulfillment of the people's aspirations for a beautiful ecological environment; it must drive the resolution of prominent ecological and environmental issues about which the public has voiced strong concerns, actively respond to the people's new expectations and demands for a high-quality ecological environment, and effectively realize, safeguard, and advance the fundamental interests of the broadest segments of the population. Third, proceed from China's national conditions and actual realities. Grounded in the fundamental national conditions of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the great practice of Chinese modernization—and adhering to the principles of seeking truth from facts and pursuing progress while ensuring stability—we must closely align our efforts with the objectives and requirements for building a "Beautiful China" characterized by the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. We must fully recognize and adapt to the new demands of our country's economic and social development, which has now entered a stage of high-quality growth characterized by accelerated green and low-carbon transformation. We must systematically consider practical needs—including pollution prevention and control, ecological conservation, green and low-carbon development, and international implications—while simultaneously addressing immediate concerns and maintaining a long-term perspective. We must comprehensively review and summarize our country's accumulated experience in building an ecological civilization; specifically, we should incorporate mature and well-validated practices into the Ecological Environment Code to fully reflect the latest practical achievements in the ecological and environmental sphere, thereby enhancing the targeted relevance, applicability, and operability of our legal norms. For matters that remain uncertain or require further exploration and practice, we may formulate provisions of a principled nature, thereby ensuring that our legal system and norms retain a degree of openness, compatibility, and adaptability. Fourth, we must maintain both a historical perspective and a global outlook. By drawing upon the wisdom and concepts embedded within China’s excellent traditional ecological culture, and by learning from the beneficial achievements of ecological civilization and the rule of law worldwide, we aim to imbue the Ecological Environment Code with distinct Chinese characteristics and a spirit reflective of the times, thereby contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the cause of global ecological and environmental governance. Fifth, we must adhere to the principles of scientific, democratic, and law-based legislation. We must follow the inherent laws governing legislative work and the compilation of legal codes; we must coordinate the processes of enactment, amendment, and repeal; and we must properly manage the coordination and unification of legal norms—both internal and external—to the Ecological Environment Code, thereby enhancing the systematic integrity, holistic coherence, synergistic efficacy, and timeliness of my country’s ecological and environmental legal framework. Furthermore, we must actively practice whole-process people's democracy, conscientiously solicit opinions and suggestions from all sectors of society, and broadly build legislative consensus.

III. Progress in the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has resolutely implemented the important instructions issued by General Secretary Xi Jinping and the strategic decisions and deployments made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Attaching paramount importance to the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code, the Standing Committee has formally included this undertaking in its legislative plan and its annual legislative work agenda. Chairman Zhao Leji has on multiple occasions presided over meetings of the Standing Committee's Party Leadership Group to deliberate upon the effective execution of the compilation work for the Ecological Environment Code, as well as to review the various draft versions of the Code. A Leading Group for the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code was established, with Vice Chairperson Li Hongzhong serving as its Head. Key officials from the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, the NPC Environment and Resources Protection Committee, and the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee serve as Deputy Heads. Officials from the NPC Environment and Resources Protection Committee, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the China Law Society, and other relevant entities serve as members, tasked with coordinating and addressing key issues arising during the compilation process. On November 3, 2023, Vice Chairperson Li Hongzhong presided over a meeting of the Leading Group for the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code, officially launching the compilation work. On November 7, 2023, a meeting was convened for the Special Working Team on the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code, announcing the formation of the team specifically responsible for the drafting and compilation work. The Special Working Team is led by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee; a key official from the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee serves as the Team Leader, while relevant officials from the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee and the NPC Environment and Resources Protection Committee serve as Deputy Leaders. The team draws together personnel from the working bodies of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee and the NPC Environment and Resources Protection Committee, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and also includes experts and scholars from relevant universities and research institutions. Concurrently—and to better harness the collective wisdom of a broad spectrum of experts and scholars, and in accordance with the guiding principles established by the Leadership Group for the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code—an Expert Committee for the Compilation of the Ecological Environment Code was established to provide intellectual and think-tank support for the codification process.

Following the official launch of the compilation work for the Ecological Environment Code, the dedicated working group—operating under the leadership of the Party Leadership Group of the Standing Committee—proceeded to carry out the codification work in a thorough and systematic manner. The group undertook a comprehensive and in-depth study of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and the decisions and deployments made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party regarding the construction of an ecological civilization; they also continuously monitored and studied the spirit of the latest important speeches delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping concerning ecological civilization. Approaching issues within the ecological environment sphere from a holistic and strategic perspective, they integrated these insights into the research and compilation of the Code. The group extensively collected and organized domestic and international research materials, closely monitored theoretical research findings and practical developments both at home and abroad, and conducted in-depth analyses of the specific characteristics inherent to the compilation of an ecological environment code. Furthermore, they actively engaged in communication and exchange with the legal community specializing in ecological environment law, and—through methods such as convening symposiums and conducting field surveys—diligently solicited opinions and suggestions from relevant stakeholders as well as experts and scholars. Regarding the Code’s chapter structure, key and challenging issues, and specific institutional arrangements, the group conducted comprehensive, multi-angled, and in-depth deliberations, overall design planning, and comparative analyses of various proposed schemes. On this basis, preliminary drafts of the various parts of the Ecological Environment Code (issued for public comment) were formulated. Following their review by the Party Leadership Group of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), these drafts were circulated to 132 entities—including relevant central state organs, the Standing Committees of People's Congresses in all provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government), academic research institutions, and the various special committees and working bodies of the NPC Standing Committee—to solicit feedback; additionally, the group conducted field surveys in relevant localities to gather further opinions. Based on the feedback received from all relevant parties, the working group undertook further revisions and refinements to the preliminary drafts of the Code. They also engaged in close communication with the member units of the Leadership Group for the Compilation of the Code and other relevant departments regarding key issues, thereby fostering a broad consensus. After undergoing repeated rounds of research, revision, and refinement, the final Draft of the Ecological Environment Code was produced. In accordance with the work arrangements for the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code established by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), in April 2025, the draft Ecological Environment Code was submitted to the 15th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC for its first reading; this constituted a comprehensive review of the entire draft. In September 2025, the 17th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC conducted a segmented review of the draft Ecological Environment Code—specifically, it carried out a second reading of Part I ("General Provisions"), Part III ("Ecological Protection"), and Part IV ("Green and Low-Carbon Development"). In October 2025, the 18th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC continued the segmented review of the draft Ecological Environment Code, conducting a second reading of Part II ("Pollution Prevention and Control") and Part V ("Legal Liability and Supplementary Provisions"). In December 2025, following approval in principle by the Party Central Committee, the various parts of the draft—which had undergone segmented review and subsequent revision and refinement—were reassembled into a unified whole, thereby forming the third-reading version of the complete draft Ecological Environment Code. The 19th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC conducted the third reading of the draft Ecological Environment Code and decided to submit it to the Fourth Session of the 14th NPC for deliberation.

Following its review by the Standing Committee of the NPC—encompassing both the comprehensive and segmented reviews—the draft Ecological Environment Code was published on the NPC website to solicit public comments. Concurrently, opinions were solicited from NPC deputies via the Deputies' Work Platform, as well as from relevant government departments, local authorities, research institutions, and grassroots legislative contact points. Research tours were conducted across various regions to gather feedback and suggestions; furthermore, multiple thematic symposiums were organized to address key and complex issues, providing a platform for relevant stakeholders to express their views and recommendations. After the draft Ecological Environment Code underwent its third reading by the Standing Committee of the NPC, the General Office of the Standing Committee distributed the draft to all NPC deputies, organizing and coordinating their study and discussion of the text to solicit their final input. It is widely held across various sectors that the Draft Ecological Environment Code comprehensively implements Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. It fully embodies and reflects the theoretical, institutional, and practical achievements of ecological civilization construction in the new era. The draft features a rational structural framework and rich substantive provisions; it is pragmatic and feasible, while leaving necessary room for future adjustments to institutional bodies and their respective responsibilities. Furthermore, it effectively navigates its relationship with other relevant laws, exhibiting distinct characteristics of both the contemporary era and the Chinese context.

On January 30, 2026, the Constitution and Law Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) convened a meeting. Based on the deliberation opinions of the NPC Standing Committee, the suggestions raised by deputies during their study and discussion sessions, and feedback received from various other sectors, the Committee undertook further revisions and refinements to the Draft Ecological Environment Code. The Constitution and Law Committee concluded that, following multiple rounds of deliberation by the NPC Standing Committee, extensive solicitation of public opinion, and repeated revisions and refinements, the Draft Ecological Environment Code has fully incorporated suggestions and feedback from all quarters and has reached a state of relative maturity. Accordingly, the *Ecological Environment Code of the People's Republic of China (Draft)*—which is hereby submitted to the current session for deliberation—was formally finalized.

IV. Main Contents of the Draft Ecological Environment Code

Taking into comprehensive account the existing legal system for ecological environment protection, the current state of theoretical research, and practical operational experience, the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code has adopted a model of "moderate codification." The compilation process was categorized into three distinct scenarios for specific handling, based on the following considerations: The first scenario involves the consolidation and revision of ten existing laws—specifically the Environmental Protection Law, the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, the Clean Production Promotion Law, the Marine Environmental Protection Law, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution, and the Law on the Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution—and their complete integration into the Ecological Environment Code. Upon the enactment of the Code, the aforementioned ten individual laws shall cease to be in force. The second scenario involves the selection of key principles and essential provisions from existing legal norms pertaining to ecological elements and ecosystems—such as river basins, specific regions, natural resources, and biodiversity—as well as those concerning the circular economy and energy conservation, and their subsequent incorporation into or reflection within the Ecological Environment Code. The current laws governing these areas primarily include the Forestry Law, Grassland Law, Wetland Protection Law, Protection of Islands Law, Land Administration Law, Protection of Black Soil Law, Mineral Resources Law, Water Law, Fisheries Law, Law on the Administration of the Use of Sea Areas, Law on the Exploration and Development of Resources in the Deep Seabed Area, Wildlife Protection Law, National Parks Law, Yangtze River Protection Law, Yellow River Protection Law, Ecological Protection on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Law, Soil and Water Conservation Law, Law on the Prevention and Control of Desertification, as well as the Circular Economy Promotion Law, Energy Law, Energy Conservation Law, and Renewable Energy Law, among others. These laws will remain in force following the compilation and promulgation of the Ecological Environment Code; consequently, the relevant provisions within the Code must be comprehensively coordinated while maintaining a degree of openness and compatibility. The third category of situations addresses the legal requirements associated with climate change response, achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, and fostering green and low-carbon development—areas for which no specific laws have yet been enacted. In compiling the Ecological Environment Code, it is advisable to establish certain principled and guiding provisions regarding these matters. This approach serves to define fundamental principles, lay a solid foundation, and reserve necessary scope for the future construction of relevant legal systems and practical development within my country, thereby ensuring that the Code reflects both the spirit of the times and a forward-looking perspective.

The *Ecological Environment Code of the People's Republic of China (Draft)* comprises five Parts and 1,242 Articles. These Parts are arranged in the following sequence: General Provisions, Pollution Prevention and Control, Ecological Protection, Green and Low-Carbon Development, Legal Liability, and Supplementary Provisions.

(I) Part I: General Provisions

Part I, "General Provisions," stipulates the key legal principles as well as the foundational, comprehensive, and universally applicable legal systems within the realm of the ecological environment, thereby serving as the overarching framework for all subsequent Parts. As a general rule, universal institutional norms applicable across Part II ("Pollution Prevention and Control"), Part III ("Ecological Protection"), and Part IV ("Green and Low-Carbon Development")—such as those pertaining to planning, standards, monitoring, environmental impact assessment, and the response to sudden ecological and environmental incidents—are distilled and consolidated within Part I, "General Provisions." Concurrently, significant attention has been devoted to harmonizing the Code with existing legislation; specifically, the core provisions of the current Environmental Protection Law and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law have been incorporated into Part I, "General Provisions." Furthermore, the Code integrates new institutional provisions derived from laws enacted or amended in recent years—such as the Yangtze River Protection Law, the Yellow River Protection Law, and the Ecological Protection on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Law—to ensure comprehensive coverage and consistency within the legal framework. Furthermore, Part I, "General Provisions," actively synthesizes practical experiences gained in ecological environmental protection work; it elevates practices that have garnered broad consensus and reached a level of maturity across various aspects into formal legal stipulations, thereby reflecting the practical orientation of this Code.

Part I comprises 9 chapters and 147 articles; its main contents are as follows:

1. Regarding Basic Provisions. Chapter 1 of Part I, titled "Basic Provisions," covers the following main points: First, it explicitly defines the legislative purpose of the Ecological Environment Code, stipulating the objective requirements to "comprehensively advance the construction of a Beautiful China, accelerate the modernization characterized by the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, and realize the sustainable development of the Chinese nation" (Article 1 of the Draft). Second, it sets forth definitions of the ecological environment, the scope of application of the Code, the leadership of the Party, and basic national policies (Articles 2 through 5 of the Draft). Third, it establishes the fundamental principles of ecological environmental protection: namely, prevention first, systemic governance, ecological priority, green development, public participation, and accountability for damages (Article 6 of the Draft). Fourth, it outlines the responsibilities and obligations of various parties regarding ecological environmental protection, as well as provisions concerning commendations and rewards, international cooperation, and other related matters (Articles 7 through 14 of the Draft). Additionally, it includes a specific provision designating a "National Ecological Day" (Article 15 of the Draft), thereby discontinuing the stipulation found in the current Environmental Protection Law that designates "June 5th of every year as Environment Day."

2. Regarding Supervision and Administration. Chapter 2 of Part I, titled "Supervision and Administration," covers the following main points: First, the supervisory and administrative systems and operational mechanisms—including the duties of the government and relevant departments, the responsibility list system, the River/Lake Chief and Forest Chief systems, coordination and linkage mechanisms, cross-jurisdictional joint protection coordination mechanisms, ecological security coordination mechanisms, and information sharing protocols (Section 1, Chapter 2, Part I of the Draft). Second, the supervisory and administrative regimes—primarily establishing general norms for ecological environmental regulatory systems. These include the objective responsibility and assessment/evaluation systems; ecological environmental inspections; supervision by People's Congresses; ecological environmental judicial proceedings; enforcement coordination among relevant agencies; exit audits for natural resource assets; the system of functional zoning; systems for total resource volume management and comprehensive conservation; property rights and management systems for natural resource assets; mechanisms for realizing the value of ecological products; integrated management and rigid constraint systems for water resources (covering surface water, groundwater, and rainwater); biodiversity protection; the system of natural protected areas; regional and river basin protection; comprehensive governance of key marine areas; ecological environmental protection in agriculture; on-site inspections; administrative enforcement measures; and ecological environmental credit regulatory systems (Section 2, Chapter 2, Part I of the Draft). 3. Regarding Planning and Zonal Control of the Ecological Environment. Part I, Chapter 3, "Planning and Zonal Control of the Ecological Environment," primarily sets forth provisions concerning the planning system, procedural requirements for plan formulation, the management system for ecological protection "red lines," and the system for zonal control of the ecological environment.

4. Regarding Standards and Monitoring. Part I, Chapter 4, "Standards and Monitoring," primarily sets forth provisions concerning the system of standards in the field of the ecological environment, ecological environment benchmarks, and the ecological environment monitoring system.

5. Regarding Ecological Environment Impact Assessment. Part I, Chapter 5, "Ecological Environment Impact Assessment," is divided into three sections: General Provisions, Ecological Environment Impact Assessment for Plans, and Ecological Environment Impact Assessment for Construction Projects. It incorporates relevant content from the current Environmental Protection Law and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, and—while fully taking into account practical developments—introduces the following significant revisions and improvements: First, it incorporates greenhouse gas emissions into the scope of ecological environment impact assessment management (Article 82 of the Draft). Second, it requires technical entities engaged in ecological environment impact assessment services to conduct their work independently, objectively, and impartially in accordance with the law; to establish and improve quality control systems; and to ensure that personnel in key positions possess the requisite professional technical competence and work experience. Furthermore, it subjects these technical entities to a filing-based management system and strengthens supervisory oversight (Article 99 of the Draft). Third, it explicitly defines the specific circumstances under which competent ecological environment authorities shall withhold approval for ecological environment impact reports (or forms) (Article 105 of the Draft). Fourth, it adds a provision requiring that, during the operational phase of a construction project, the ecological environment protection countermeasures and measures proposed in the ecological environment impact report (or form)—as well as those stipulated in the approval opinions issued by the approving authority—must be fully implemented (Article 108 of the Draft).

6. Regarding Ecological Protection Compensation. Part I, Chapter 6, "Ecological Protection Compensation," sets forth provisions regarding the institutional mechanisms for ecological protection compensation, including vertical fiscal compensation, horizontal inter-regional compensation, and market-based compensation mechanisms.

7. Regarding Response to Sudden Ecological Environment Incidents. Part I, Chapter 7, "Response to Sudden Ecological Environment Incidents," sets forth provisions regarding the general requirements for responding to sudden ecological environment incidents, the system of response responsibilities, monitoring and early warning mechanisms, information notification, and emergency coordination.

8. Regarding Safeguard Measures. Part I, Chapter 8, "Safeguard Measures," primarily sets forth provisions regarding financial, taxation, pricing, procurement, financial services, and industrial policies intended to serve as safeguard measures for ecological environment protection.

9. Regarding Information Disclosure and Public Participation. Part I, Chapter 9, titled "Information Disclosure and Public Participation," primarily sets forth provisions regarding the systems for the disclosure of ecological and environmental information by government entities, enterprises, public institutions, and other producers and operators; it also establishes measures to safeguard public participation and encourage public oversight.

(II) Part II: Pollution Prevention and Control

Part II, titled "Pollution Prevention and Control," systematically integrates, compiles, revises, and optimizes the provisions concerning pollution prevention and control currently contained within existing laws—including the laws on the prevention and control of air, water, soil, and solid waste pollution, noise pollution, and radioactive pollution, as well as the general Environmental Protection Law and the Marine Environmental Protection Law. First, it summarizes and distills the common institutional frameworks for pollution prevention and control prescribed by existing laws into general principles and standard provisions; furthermore, it elevates proven, effective practices in pollution prevention and control—validated through practical application—to the status of formal legal institutions. Second, regarding its structural organization, the Part prioritizes the "Three Major Campaigns" for pollution prevention and control—namely, the defense of blue skies, clear waters, and clean soil. This is followed by provisions addressing the governance of pollution sources related to solid waste, noise, and radioactivity. Finally, it establishes targeted institutional provisions to address pollution prevention and control issues in emerging fields, such as chemical substances, electromagnetic radiation, and light pollution.

Part II comprises a total of 9 sub-parts, 36 chapters, and 526 articles. Its main contents are as follows:

1. General Provisions. Sub-part I of Part II sets forth the general provisions, organized into two chapters: "General Stipulations" and "Management of Pollution Discharge Permits." Key contents include: First, it summarizes and distills the common institutional frameworks for pollution prevention and control, requiring units and individuals that discharge pollutants to adopt effective measures to prevent and control pollution (Draft Article 150). It emphasizes that the discharge of pollutants must comply with pollutant emission standards, total emission control quotas for key pollutants, requirements under the pollution discharge permit management system, and other relevant laws, regulations, and rules (Draft Article 151). It prohibits the discharge of pollutants through means designed to evade regulatory oversight (Draft Article 164) and reinforces measures for the prevention and control of pollution in agricultural and rural areas (Draft Articles 170 and 171). Furthermore, it establishes provisions regarding the system of pollution prevention and control responsibilities, pollutant emission standards, the total emission control system for key pollutants, the "Three Simultaneities" system (requiring pollution control facilities to be designed, constructed, and operated simultaneously with the main project), and requirements for the siting and use of pollution discharge outlets (Draft Articles 152 through 158, 162, 163, etc.). Second, provisions regarding the general requirements for pollution prevention and control have been added (Article 149 of the Draft). Furthermore, new provisions stipulate that the State shall establish and improve a supervisory and management system for stationary pollution sources—centered on the pollutant discharge permitting system—and lay down specific regulations for the administration of such permits, including a system of classified management (Chapter 2, Part II of the Draft). Concurrently, additional requirements have been introduced, such as the mandate to strengthen systematic governance in regions facing severe non-point source agricultural pollution (Article 172 of the Draft, *et al.*).

2. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution. Part II, Sub-part 2 of the Draft addresses the prevention and control of air pollution, comprising four chapters: "General Provisions," "Measures for Air Pollution Prevention and Control," "Joint Prevention and Control of Air Pollution in Key Regions," and "Response to Severely Polluted Weather." Building upon the existing Law on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, the Draft introduces the following major amendments and improvements: First, it explicitly mandates that efforts to prevent and control air pollution must include the adjustment of the transportation structure (Article 189 of the Draft). Second, it encourages and supports the adoption of technologies—such as ultra-low emission technologies—to reduce the discharge of atmospheric pollutants (Article 212 of the Draft). Third, it strengthens measures for the prevention and control of air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the introduction of standards establishing limits on VOC content and a labeling system for products with low VOC content (Articles 213 and 215 of the Draft). Fourth, it strengthens the prevention and control of atmospheric pollution caused by motor vehicles, vessels, and non-road mobile machinery; specifically, it reinforces pollution control measures for heavy-duty trucks and tightens oversight regarding fraudulent emissions testing for motor vehicles, vessels, and non-road mobile machinery, while also clarifying supervisory and inspection requirements concerning the atmospheric pollutant emission status of vessels (Part II, Chapter 4, Section 3 of the Draft). Fifth, it adds provisions requiring people's governments at all local levels to scientifically and precisely enhance the organization, guidance, and management of the burning of straw, fallen leaves, and similar materials; furthermore, it explicitly prohibits the open burning of straw, fallen leaves, and other smoke-generating substances in densely populated areas, the vicinity of airports, near major transportation arteries, and within other specific zones and timeframes designated by people's governments at or above the provincial level (Article 246 of the Draft). Sixth, it addresses issues affecting residents "right on their doorsteps"—such as cooking fumes and foul odors—by incorporating new requirements regarding urban planning, site selection, and similar matters (Articles 249 and 250 of the Draft).

3. Regarding Water Pollution Prevention and Control. Part II, Sub-part 3 of the Draft sets forth provisions for water pollution prevention and control, organized into four chapters: "General Provisions," "Measures for Water Pollution Prevention and Control," "Protection of Drinking Water Sources and Other Special Water Bodies," and "Water Pollution Prevention and Control in Key River Basins." Building upon the existing *Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution*, the Draft introduces the following key amendments and improvements: First, it strengthens the establishment and management of wastewater discharge outlets into rivers, refining the approval process for such outlets and adding requirements for strictly controlling their placement, conducting comprehensive surveys and remediation of existing outlets, and monitoring shared discharge outlets (Articles 275 through 278 of the Draft). Second, it reinforces the prevention and control of groundwater pollution, incorporating provisions for investigating and assessing groundwater conditions, as well as designating key zones for groundwater pollution prevention and control (Articles 284 through 290 of the Draft). Third, it clarifies the need to promote rural toilet renovation in a manner tailored to local conditions, adding a provision requiring county-level people's governments to identify and designate areas within their jurisdiction characterized by a high density of scattered livestock and poultry farming (Articles 305 and 309 of the Draft). Fourth, it further strengthens measures to prevent and control water pollution caused by vessels navigating inland waterways, adding requirements for monitoring, surveillance, and joint inter-departmental supervision and management (Articles 314, 315, and others in the Draft). Fifth, a new chapter titled "Prevention and Control of Water Pollution in Key River Basins" has been added, stipulating that the State shall strengthen comprehensive, systematic, and source-based governance of water pollution in key river basins, and promote integrated basin protection (Chapter 10, Part II of the Draft).

4. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution. Part II, Sub-part 4 stipulates provisions for the prevention and control of marine pollution, divided into five chapters: "General Provisions," "Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Land-based Pollutants," "Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Construction Projects," "Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Waste Dumping," and "Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Vessels." These provisions were compiled and drafted based on relevant regulations within the Marine Environmental Protection Law.

5. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution. Part II, Sub-part 5 stipulates provisions for the prevention and control of soil pollution, divided into three chapters: "General Provisions," "Prevention of Soil Pollution," and "Soil Pollution Risk Control and Remediation." Building upon the existing Law on the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution, the Draft primarily introduces the following amendments and improvements: First, it clarifies that the prevention and control of soil pollution must ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products as well as the safety of the human living environment (Article 396 of the Draft). Second, it clarifies that investigations into the status of soil pollution must be completed within the time limits established by the respective provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government (Article 454 of the Draft); furthermore, it authorizes these provincial-level entities to prescribe specific management requirements for land plots included in the inventory for soil pollution risk control and remediation (Article 456 of the Draft).

6. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Pollution from Solid Waste. Part II, Sub-part 6 stipulates provisions for the prevention and control of pollution from solid waste, divided into five chapters: "General Provisions," "Prevention and Control of Pollution from Industrial Solid Waste," "Prevention and Control of Pollution from Domestic Waste," "Prevention and Control of Pollution from Construction Waste, Agricultural Solid Waste, etc.," and "Prevention and Control of Pollution from Hazardous Waste." Building upon the existing Law on the Prevention and Control of Pollution from Solid Waste, the Draft primarily introduces the following amendments and improvements: First, it adds a provision requiring the competent department for ecological environment under the State Council—in conjunction with relevant departments—to formulate control standards for the content of toxic and harmful substances in industrial solid waste (Article 472 of the Draft). Second, it clarifies that when solid waste is transferred out of a provincial-level administrative region for utilization, relevant information must be submitted in advance—via the solid waste pollution prevention and control information platform or similar channels (Article 476 of the Draft). Third, the phrasing "the State shall gradually realize zero imports of solid waste" has been amended to "the State shall implement zero imports of solid waste" (Article 478 of the Draft). Fourth, addressing prominent issues regarding the prevention and control of pollution from construction waste, it adds provisions for systems such as the "consignment note" management system (Article 518 et seq. of the Draft).

7. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution. Subdivision 7 of Part II addresses the prevention and control of noise pollution, comprising five chapters: "General Provisions," "Prevention and Control of Industrial Noise Pollution," "Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution from Construction Activities," "Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution from Transportation," and "Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution from Social Activities." Building upon the existing Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution, the Draft strengthens measures for preventing and controlling noise pollution from construction activities, thereby addressing noise-related issues occurring right "on people's doorsteps" (Articles 570 and 571 of the Draft).

8. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution. Subdivision 8 of Part II addresses the prevention and control of radioactive pollution, comprising five chapters: "General Provisions," "Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution from Nuclear Facilities," "Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution from the Utilization of Nuclear Technology," "Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution from the Development and Utilization of Uranium (Thorium) Mines and Associated Radioactive Minerals," and "Prevention and Control of Radioactive Waste Pollution." Building upon the existing Law on the Prevention and Control of Radioactive Pollution, the Draft primarily introduces the following amendments and improvements: First, it clarifies the criteria for obtaining accreditation as a radioactive pollution monitoring institution (Article 611 of the Draft). Second, it adds a provision stipulating that the State shall establish a system for the prevention and control of radioactive pollution that is tailored to the specific characteristics of controlled thermonuclear fusion and designed to promote the application of nuclear fusion technology (Article 613 of the Draft). Third, it refines the environmental impact assessment system for nuclear facilities (Article 616 of the Draft). Fourth, it adds provisions establishing systems for the classified and hierarchical management of radioisotopes and radiation-generating devices (Article 622 et seq. of the Draft). Fifth, it adds provisions establishing systems such as a management catalog for the radiation environment associated with the development and utilization of associated radioactive minerals (Article 630 et seq. of the Draft). Sixth, it ensures proper alignment with the Atomic Energy Law, the Nuclear Safety Law, and other relevant statutes, thereby refining the system for the prevention and control of radioactive waste pollution (Article 635 et seq. of the Draft).

9. Regarding the Risk Control of Chemical Substance Pollution, and the Prevention and Control of Electromagnetic Radiation and Light Pollution. Subdivision 9 of Part II comprises three chapters: "Risk Control of Chemical Substance Pollution," "Prevention and Control of Electromagnetic Radiation Pollution," and "Prevention and Control of Light Pollution." This Subdivision was compiled in response to new circumstances and practical needs; it takes a pragmatic approach focused on the present while maintaining a long-term perspective. It incorporates provisions that are well-established and clearly defined, while formulating general principles for areas that still require further exploration. Key measures include: First, strengthening the risk control of chemical substance pollution and establishing a system for the collaborative governance and environmental risk control of "new pollutants" (Chapter 34, Part II of the Draft). Second, the supervisory and administrative system for the prevention and control of electromagnetic radiation pollution, electromagnetic radiation limits for products, and the categorized management of electromagnetic radiation facilities (Part II, Chapter 35 of the Draft). Third, the supervisory and administrative system for the prevention and control of light pollution, light limits for products, and the zone-based management of light pollution prevention and control (Part II, Chapter 36 of the Draft).

(III) Part III: Ecological Protection

Part III, "Ecological Protection," is structured to balance the relationship between economic development and ecological conservation, aiming to achieve a win-win outcome of high-quality development alongside high-level protection. Regarding ecosystems—such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, oceans, islands, rivers, lakes, and deserts—it emphasizes comprehensive protection. Regarding natural resources—including land, mineral, water, and fishery resources, as well as other natural assets—it explicitly mandates the coordinated management of resource conservation and sustainable utilization. This structural design not only reflects the dialectical unity between high-quality development and high-level protection but also respects the distinct characteristics of various ecological elements, thereby facilitating the realization of the goal to "protect while developing, and develop while protecting."

Part III comprises 7 chapters and 264 articles; its main contents are as follows:

1. General Provisions. Chapter 1 of Part III, titled "General Provisions," sets forth the general and fundamental principles governing the Ecological Protection section, serving as the "Guiding Framework" for this entire Part. Specifically, the provisions emphasize ecosystem protection, stipulating that the State shall strengthen the protection of ecosystems—including forests, grasslands, wetlands, marine areas, islands, rivers and lakes, deserts, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and cultivated land—and advance the implementation of major projects for the protection and restoration of key ecosystems (Article 677 of the Draft); they highlight the conservation and intensive utilization of natural resources, clarifying that the State shall coordinate the protection and development of resources to enhance the standards of natural resource conservation and rational utilization (Article 678 of the Draft); they underscore biodiversity protection, strengthening the conservation of germplasm resources and genetic resources while ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits, and guarding against the invasion of alien species (Articles 682 through 685 of the Draft); they emphasize that ecological restoration efforts must respect natural laws and adhere to the principles of suitability—planting forests where appropriate, cultivating grasslands where appropriate, and preserving deserts or wilderness areas where appropriate (Article 691 of the Draft); addressing the issue of inappropriate choices of tree and grass species for greening purposes that may harm human health, the provisions clarify that urban and rural greening initiatives must be tailored to local conditions and involve the scientific selection of appropriate tree and grass species (Article 692 of the Draft); finally, they emphasize that the State shall uphold a policy of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, supporting international exchanges and collaboration across all aspects of ecological protection (Article 696 of the Draft).

2. Regarding Ecosystem Protection: Book III, Chapter 2—titled "Ecosystem Protection"—primarily integrates provisions concerning ecological protection drawn from existing laws such as the Forest Law, Grassland Law, Wetland Protection Law, Marine Environmental Protection Law, and Island Protection Law. Concurrently, it introduces specific provisions dedicated to river, lake, and desert ecosystems, aiming to enhance the diversity, stability, and sustainability of these ecosystems. The chapter is divided into six sections: Forests, Grasslands, Wetlands, Marine Areas and Islands, Rivers and Lakes, and Deserts. First, adhering to the principle of selecting essential elements and core rules, the provisions regarding ecosystem protection found in current laws—including the Forest Law, Grassland Law, Wetland Protection Law, Marine Environmental Protection Law, and Island Protection Law—have been incorporated into the Code and refined (Book III, Chapter 2, Sections 1 through 4 of the Draft). Second, a dedicated section on "Rivers and Lakes" has been established to clarify that the State shall strengthen measures such as ensuring ecological water supply for rivers and lakes, implementing zoned management of water bodies and shorelines, and protecting aquatic life, thereby consolidating and enhancing the ecological functions of river and lake ecosystems (Book III, Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Draft). Third, a dedicated section on deserts has been established. While maintaining the commitment to desertification prevention and control, this section explicitly mandates the strengthening of desert ecosystem protection, aiming to leverage the multifaceted functions of desert ecosystems—including windbreaks and sand fixation, climate regulation, hydrological control, soil conservation, and the maintenance of biodiversity (Draft: Part III, Chapter 2, Section 6).

3. Regarding the Protection and Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources. Part III, Chapter 3—titled "Protection and Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources"—emphasizes the principle of "development within the context of protection, and protection within the context of development." It calls for strengthening the rational utilization of resources while simultaneously ensuring effective protection, thereby ensuring that high-quality development and high-level protection are mutually reinforcing and complementary. This chapter is divided into five sections covering land resources, mineral resources, water resources, fishery resources, and other natural resources. Regarding land resources, the text explicitly states that the State shall uphold the strictest systems for arable land protection and for the economical and intensive use of land, strictly observing the "red line" for arable land protection (Draft Article 759). It mandates the integrated protection of arable land in terms of quantity, quality, and ecological integrity (Draft Article 764); establishes special protection measures for permanent basic farmland (Draft Article 766); and calls for strengthening the protection of black soil (Draft Article 767). Regarding mineral resources, the text explicitly encourages and supports the green and low-carbon transformation of the mining industry, while also promoting the development of "green mines" (Draft Article 771). Regarding water resources, the text requires a comprehensive and balanced approach to the protection, development, utilization, and conservation of water resources, as well as the prevention and control of water-related hazards (Draft Article 778). It emphasizes that the State shall strictly practice water conservation, foster water-saving industries, agriculture, and service sectors, and comprehensively build a water-saving society (Draft Articles 779 and 793). Furthermore, it explicitly mandates the establishment and improvement of a system for conducting water resource assessments for construction projects and relevant planning initiatives involving the development and utilization of water resources (Draft Article 788). Regarding fishery resources, the text explicitly stipulates that fishery production must prioritize aquaculture while maintaining moderate levels of wild capture, thereby achieving both the protection and the sustainable utilization of fishery resources (Draft Article 794). Additionally, provisions are set forth regarding the management of the development and utilization of other natural resources, including forests, grasslands, wildlife, and marine resources (Draft: Part III, Chapter 3, Section 5).

4. Regarding Species Protection. Part III, Chapter 4, titled "Species Protection," primarily integrates provisions from the *Wildlife Protection Law*, the *Regulations on the Protection of Wild Plants*, the *Measures for the Administration of Alien Invasive Species*, and other relevant statutes. It is divided into three sections: Protection of Wild Animals, Protection of Wild Plants, and Prevention and Control of Alien Invasive Species. These sections stipulate the classification and hierarchical protection of wild animals and plants, as well as the classification and hierarchical management of alien invasive species (Draft Articles 812, 833, and 846). Furthermore, the chapter mandates the strengthening of habitat protection, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, release management, and response measures regarding damage caused by wild animals (Draft Articles 815, 822, 823, and 828). It also requires the adoption of measures—such as *in situ* conservation, *ex situ* conservation, the establishment of germplasm resource banks, and reintroduction into the wild—to enhance the protection of wild plants and their growth environments (Draft Articles 832, and 834 through 836). Finally, the chapter explicitly affirms the State's commitment to refining the prevention and control system for alien species invasions and to strictly cracking down on the illegal introduction of alien species (Draft Article 844).

5. Regarding the Protection of Important Geographical Units: Part III, Chapter 5, titled "Protection of Important Geographical Units," integrates and codifies relevant legislative provisions concerning natural protected areas as well as major river basins and regions—such as the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is divided into two sections: "Natural Protected Areas" and "Major River Basins and Regions (e.g., the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau)." Notably, while there is currently no standalone legislation specifically dedicated to natural protected areas, this chapter—drawing upon the *National Parks Law*, the *Regulations on Nature Reserves*, and relevant central government directives—establishes provisions regarding the classification and hierarchical management, establishment and adjustment, zonal control, co-construction and shared utilization, and ecological restoration of natural protected areas (Draft Articles 859 through 865). It also addresses specific matters such as the seasonally differentiated management and control applicable to national parks and nature reserves (Draft Article 868). Meanwhile, Section 2 not only establishes general institutional provisions regarding ecological protection in key river basins and regions (Draft Articles 870–875), but also sets forth specific requirements for key river basins—such as the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and other major rivers and lakes (Draft Articles 876–881)—as well as for key regions, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Hainan Island, the Qinling Mountains, and the "Three Norths" Shelterbelt Project construction zones (Draft Articles 882–887).

6. Regarding the Prevention and Control of Ecological Degradation. Part III, Chapter 6, titled "Prevention and Control of Ecological Degradation," integrates relevant provisions from the Law on Water and Soil Conservation and the Law on the Prevention and Control of Desertification, dividing the content into two sections: Water and Soil Conservation, and Prevention and Control of Desertification. Specifically, regarding water and soil conservation, the text mandates strengthened monitoring, the adoption of preventive and control measures, strict regulation of soil erosion caused by human activities, and the enhancement of key water and soil conservation projects (Draft Articles 893–899). Regarding the prevention and control of desertification, it calls for comprehensive measures to combat desertification, strict management of activities within areas prone to desertification, and the establishment of a system for designating and protecting enclosed zones within desertified lands, among other requirements (Draft Articles 910–915 and 918).

7. Regarding Ecological Restoration. Part III, Chapter 7, titled "Ecological Restoration," primarily synthesizes and codifies general rules and norms concerning ecological restoration derived from central government documents and existing legislation. These provisions cover various aspects of ecological restoration, including planning, monitoring and supervision, project acceptance, post-restoration maintenance, and effectiveness assessment (Draft Articles 923–928 and 937). Concurrently, the chapter establishes specific provisions for the ecological restoration of forests, grasslands, wetlands, marine environments, rivers and lakes (including river mouths emptying into the sea), and mining areas (Draft Articles 931–936).

(IV) Part IV: Green and Low-Carbon Development

Existing laws—such as the Law on Promoting Clean Production, the Law on Promoting a Circular Economy, the Energy Law, the Law on Conserving Energy, and the Law on Renewable Energy—which address the intersection of the environment, resources, and the economy, along with the Resolution of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Actively Responding to Climate Change, have played a pivotal role in driving the green and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development. Building upon this foundation, Part IV, titled "Green and Low-Carbon Development," further integrates current practical needs and focuses on key areas and critical links of green and low-carbon development that are closely intertwined with ecological and environmental protection, and establishing and improving the legal framework pertinent to green and low-carbon development.

Part IV comprises four chapters and 114 articles; its main contents are as follows:

1. General Provisions. Chapter 1 of Part IV sets forth the general requirements and relevant systems for green and low-carbon development. First, it clarifies the scope of application for this Part (Article 938 of the Draft). Second, it defines the general requirements for green and low-carbon development, as well as the goal-oriented objectives for green and low-carbon development in key areas such as the development of a circular economy, energy conservation and green-low-carbon transition, and climate change response (Articles 939 through 942 of the Draft). Third, it specifies the requirements for green and low-carbon development regarding the implementation of major regional strategies, industrial development, transportation, construction, and agriculture and rural affairs (Articles 943 through 947 of the Draft). Fourth, it stipulates that the State shall establish and improve a system of standards for green and low-carbon development, and sets forth regulations regarding the implementation of standards for green and low-carbon products (Article 948 of the Draft). Fifth, addressing various entities—including state organs, other public institutions utilizing fiscal funds, enterprises, and citizens—it separately prescribes the respective responsibilities and obligations for adopting green and low-carbon modes of production and living (Article 949 of the Draft). Sixth, it outlines the requirements regarding investment, fiscal, and financial support measures for green and low-carbon development, as well as technological support and safeguards, and the strengthening of international cooperation (Articles 950 through 952 of the Draft).

2. Development of a Circular Economy. Chapter 2 of Part IV establishes the legal framework for the development of a circular economy. This Chapter systematically integrates relevant provisions from the current *Law on the Promotion of Clean Production* and the *Law on the Promotion of a Circular Economy*, ensuring coordination with the provisions regarding solid waste pollution prevention and control found in Part II, "Pollution Prevention and Control." Concurrently, it further enriches and refines the regulations concerning waste recycling and green consumption. Building upon existing laws, the following key amendments and improvements have been introduced: First, it clarifies the requirements for the development of the resource recycling industry, designating "Extended Producer Responsibility" as a pivotal institutional measure for advancing the circular economy (Articles 956 and 959 of the Draft). Second, it optimizes the clean production system, refining regulations concerning the application of audit results, mandatory audits, green design, and green packaging (Articles 966, 967, 972, and 973 of the Draft). Third, the framework for waste recycling and utilization has been enriched through the addition of provisions concerning the recovery and recycling of new types of waste and low-value recyclables, as well as the processing and utilization of recycled metals and the promotion and application of recycled materials (Articles 979, 985, 986, and 990 of the Draft). Fourth, a robust system for green consumption has been established and improved, incorporating provisions regarding incentive mechanisms for green consumption, government green procurement, and the circulation and trading of second-hand goods; furthermore, the relevant obligations of citizens and enterprises in this regard have been clarified (Articles 992, 994, 995, and 999 through 1001 of the Draft).

3. Regarding Energy Conservation and Green, Low-Carbon Transition. Chapter 3 of Part IV sets forth the legal framework concerning energy conservation and the green, low-carbon transition. Building upon the existing Energy Law, Energy Conservation Law, and Renewable Energy Law, the Draft primarily introduces the following amendments and improvements: First, in response to practical needs and evolving trends in renewable energy development, the principles guiding green and low-carbon energy development have been clarified, and provisions regarding the utilization of renewable energy in rural areas have been refined (Articles 1002 and 1006 of the Draft). Second, the supervisory and administrative system for energy conservation has been strengthened, with improvements made to provisions concerning energy conservation reviews for fixed-asset investment projects and energy conservation management for key energy-consuming entities (Articles 1007, 1009, and 1010 of the Draft). Third, requirements for the green and low-carbon energy transition have been reinforced through the refinement of provisions regarding the clean and efficient utilization of coal, the development and utilization of renewable energy, the establishment of mechanisms to promote green energy consumption, and the construction of a new-type power system (Articles 1014, 1017, 1021, and 1022 of the Draft).

4. Regarding Climate Change Response. Chapter 4 of Part IV sets forth the legal framework concerning the response to climate change. First, it stipulates that the State shall adhere to a strategy that prioritizes both mitigation and adaptation, take effective measures to actively address climate change, and clearly define the relevant supervisory and administrative systems as well as decision-making coordination mechanisms (Articles 1025 through 1027 of the Draft). Second, it establishes the foundational systems and specific requirements for responding to climate change (Articles 1028 through 1031 of the Draft). Third, it explicitly establishes that the goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality serve to drive climate change mitigation efforts; it sets forth provisions regarding systems for controlling total carbon emissions and carbon intensity, the principles for advancing carbon peaking and neutrality, and the organization and implementation of relevant action plans (Draft Articles 1032 through 1034). Fourth, it prescribes measures related to climate change mitigation and clarifies the regulatory responsibilities of relevant departments (Draft Articles 1035 through 1040). Fifth, it prescribes measures related to climate change adaptation (Draft, Book IV, Chapter 4, Section 3). Sixth, it clarifies the requirements for international cooperation in the field of climate change response (Draft, Book IV, Chapter 4, Section 4).

(V) Book on Legal Liability and Supplementary Provisions

To implement the requirements for the "strictest systems and most rigorous rule of law," Book V—"Legal Liability and Supplementary Provisions"—builds upon existing legal provisions. Addressing new circumstances and issues arising in ecological and environmental law enforcement and adjudication, it employs methods such as transposition, consolidation, harmonization, and enhancement to scientifically and rationally define legal liabilities, thereby constructing a more unified, comprehensive, rigorous, and standardized system of legal liability.

Book V comprises 3 chapters and 191 articles; its main contents are as follows:

1. General Provisions on Legal Liability. Chapter 1 of Book V, "General Provisions on Legal Liability," primarily sets forth overarching regulations regarding legal liability in the ecological and environmental sphere. First is Section 1, "General Rules," which includes specific rules of application covering principles of attribution, limitation periods for liability, resolution of statutory conflicts, application of new versus old laws, offsetting of liabilities, grounds for exemption from liability, and daily-accruing fines. Second is Section 2, "Responsible Parties," which identifies various violators—including local governments, regulatory departments and agencies, planning and approval authorities, enterprises and public institutions, other producers and operators, and individuals—and outlines their corresponding civil, administrative disciplinary, and criminal liabilities. Third is Section 3, "Enforcement and Accountability," which covers administrative law enforcement, compensation for ecological and environmental damage, compensation for marine ecological and environmental damage, civil and administrative public interest litigation, mechanisms for negotiation and mediation, injunctive relief and preservation measures, burdens of proof, support for litigation, legal aid, case referral, and oversight of law enforcement.

2. Specific Provisions on Legal Liability. Sections 1 through 3 of Chapter 2 in Book V—"Specific Provisions on Legal Liability"—primarily consolidate the administrative penalties corresponding to identical management systems across various fields of pollution prevention and control as well as ecological protection, thereby avoiding redundancy and inconsistency. First is Section 1: "Violations of Regulations on Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Management." This covers legal liabilities for acts such as failing to conduct self-monitoring in accordance with regulations; using monitoring facilities and equipment that do not meet prescribed requirements; falsifying ecological and environmental monitoring data; operating as an ecological and environmental monitoring institution without possessing the requisite qualifications; manufacturing or selling monitoring facilities and equipment that fail to meet requirements; and interfering with or damaging ecological and environmental monitoring facilities and equipment. Second is Section 2: "Violations of Regulations on Ecological and Environmental Impact Assessment Management." This covers legal liabilities for acts such as construction entities failing to submit ecological and environmental impact reports or report forms for approval in accordance with the law; ecological and environmental impact reports or report forms containing significant defects, omissions, or falsifications; relevant technical entities or personnel having conflicts of interest with the departments responsible for approval; failing to implement ecological and environmental protection countermeasures and measures; and violating the "Three Simultaneities" management regulations. Third is Section 3: "Violations of Regulations on Pollutant Discharge Permit Management." This covers legal liabilities for acts such as discharging pollutants without obtaining a pollutant discharge permit in accordance with the law; failing to discharge pollutants in accordance with the stipulations of the pollutant discharge permit; failing to operate and maintain pollution prevention and control facilities as required; obtaining a pollutant discharge permit through improper means such as deception or bribery; failing to report pollutant discharge information in accordance with the law; discharging pollutants in excess of prescribed emission standards or total emission control quotas; discharging pollutants in a manner designed to evade regulatory oversight; illegally establishing pollutant discharge outlets; failing to disclose ecological and environmental information as required; failing to include the funds required for pollution prevention and control in the project construction costs; and illegally importing solid waste, radioactive waste, or items contaminated with radioactivity from abroad into the domestic territory.

Sections 4 through 11 of Chapter 2, Part V—"Specific Provisions on Legal Liability"—prescribe the distinct administrative penalties applicable to violations of regulations concerning the prevention and control of pollution related to the atmosphere, water, the marine environment, soil, solid waste, noise, and radioactivity, as well as violations of regulations concerning the risk control of chemical substance pollution and the prevention and control of electromagnetic radiation and light pollution. To ensure the systematic coherence, rigor, and strict enforceability of the Code, this section was compiled primarily based on the following three principles: First, establishing identical or substantially equivalent legal liabilities for violations of the same category. Second, expanding the scope of liability clauses; for every prohibitive or obligatory provision set forth in the first four parts of the Code, a corresponding penalty clause or arrangement has been established to ensure that all directives are strictly observed and enforced. Third, intensifying the severity of penalties; building upon the relevant provisions of existing laws, the amounts of certain administrative fines have been increased—or additional categories of administrative penalties introduced—to reflect new circumstances and realities. Concurrently, regarding certain unlawful acts, distinctions are drawn based on varying circumstances or different types of violators; corresponding administrative penalties are prescribed to ensure that the severity of the penalty is proportionate to the gravity of the offense.

Sections 12 and 13 of Chapter 2, Part V—titled "Specific Provisions on Legal Liability"—take into account that other relevant laws pertaining to ecological protection and green, low-carbon development remain applicable, and that legal liabilities for most offenses are already stipulated in those other laws. Consequently, regarding acts that violate regulations on ecological protection management and acts that violate regulations on green, low-carbon development management, a combined approach—incorporating both specific provisions and guiding provisions—has been adopted to prescribe administrative penalties. First, the draft incorporates the legal liability provisions found in the *Marine Environmental Protection Law* and the *Clean Production Promotion Law*. Since these two laws are slated for repeal following the enactment of the Code, the legal liabilities therein—specifically those concerning marine ecological environmental protection and green, low-carbon development—are explicitly stipulated within the draft. For instance, specific administrative penalties are prescribed for acts such as occupying or damaging natural coastlines, failing to conduct mandatory clean production audits, or engaging in fraudulent practices during such audits (Articles 1217 and 1222 of the Draft). Second, the provisions address prominent issues within the fields of ecological protection and green, low-carbon development, responding to practical needs and filling gaps in existing legal liability frameworks. For example, specific administrative penalties are prescribed for acts such as conducting production or construction activities in violation of the ecological environment access list; unauthorized extraction of groundwater; failure to establish a system for the recovery of waste and obsolete products in accordance with regulations; non-compliance with regulations regarding the production, sale, or use of single-use plastic products; and, in the case of key greenhouse gas emitters included in the national carbon emissions trading market, failure to submit emissions statistical accounting data or annual emissions reports (Articles 1218, 1219, 1224, 1226, and 1227 of the Draft). Third, the provisions establish connective and guiding stipulations. They explicitly clarify that should a violation of this Law’s obligations regarding ecological protection or green, low-carbon development occur—and provided that this Law does not specifically prescribe an administrative penalty for such a violation—penalties shall be imposed in accordance with the provisions of other relevant laws and regulations (Articles 1220 and 1228 of the Draft).

Section 14 of Chapter 2, Part V—titled "Other Unlawful Acts"—primarily prescribes the legal liabilities for unlawful acts other than those specifically addressed in Sections 1 through 13 of Chapter 2. This includes legal liabilities for refusing to obstruct supervision and inspection, falsification by ecological and environmental technical service institutions, failure of enterprises and institutions to establish pollution prevention and control responsibility systems, occurrence of ecological and environmental accidents and sudden ecological and environmental incidents, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

3. Regarding Supplementary Provisions. Chapter 3, "Supplementary Provisions," of Part Five mainly includes: First, stipulating that if other laws have specific or further provisions on ecological protection, green and low-carbon development, and other related fields of ecological and environmental protection, those provisions shall apply (Article 1239 of the draft). Second, stipulating that if the state adjusts the ecological and environmental supervision and management system according to actual needs, those provisions shall apply (Article 1240 of the draft). Third, authorizing the State Council and the Central Military Commission to formulate specific management measures for the ecological and environmental protection work of the military in accordance with the principles stipulated in this law (Article 1241 of the draft). Fourth, stipulating the effective date of the code and the 10 laws to be repealed simultaneously (Article 1242 of the draft).

[Editor: Jia Xinran]