New draft ecological tax aims to cut emissions
Updated: 2016-08-29 13:56
By ZHENG JINRAN and CAO YIN(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
China's first draft environmental protection tax law, which is expected to cut pollutants emissions, has been submitted to the country's top legislative body.
It is aimed at protecting the environment and improving ecological construction by promoting energy conservation and reducing emissions, Finance Minister Lou Jiwei told the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee on Monday morning.
The draft calls for taxes to be targeted at individuals or companies that pollute the air, water or soil, or emit noise pollution, while lower tax standards will follow on from existing fees for pollutant discharge, Lou said.
Companies directly discharging pollutants — especially those in major polluting industries such as thermal power, iron and steel, cement, coal, electrolytic aluminum, metallurgy, mining, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical and textiles — will be subject to the new tax.
But it will not target polluters in the agricultural sector or mobile sources of pollution such as vehicles and airplanes, while sewage processing plants and household waste will also be excluded.
Meanwhile, companies that successfully reduce their level of pollutants emission will be subject to reduced levels of tax.
Between 2003 and 2015, China collected more than 211.6 billion yuan ($31.7 billion) in fees for pollutant discharge.
Lou said the fees had been effective "in preventing and controlling environmental pollution", but were easily meddled with by local-level governments, making it necessary to implement a law on pollutant discharge.
Some experts have spoken highly of the draft law and the potential it holds to better regulate fees on pollutants emission.
If the first reading and following reviews go well, it could become law by the end of the year, according to the Economic Information Daily.
Related Stories
Wetland helps preserve ecology of Dianchi Lake 2016-07-13 13:36
A Proper Coordination of Production, Life and Ecology in Strandparks: New Features of Urbanization with Green Mountains and Clear Waters(No.93, 2016) 2016-08-09 10:44
Cartoon commentary, Xi's Qinghai tour: Guaranteeing a healthy ecology for better living 2016-08-25 17:20
Protect ecology and work together across Straits, official urges 2016-06-27 17:42
Tourism, ecology key to protect culture, spark development 2016-07-06 07:47
Today's Top News
Italy plans state funeral for quake victims; 268 dead
China rescue team rushes to Italy for earthquake relief
Poland: 1st European state to issue RMB debt in China
Italy rescuers toil as death toll hits nearly 250
More understanding among remaining EU states
At least 73 dead after strong quake strikes Italy
Turkey launch operation in north Syria to fight IS
UK manufacturing export orders highest in 2 years after Brexit vote
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |