The Top Legislature -- the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or NPC -- has opened its bimonthly session on Monday in Beijing.
The seven-day session will focus on a number of draft laws and amendments including a much anticipated and debated draft on the country's first environment tax law. Law makers hailed the country's draft environment tax law as "clear and practical," and called for improved rules on the use of tax revenue and penalties for tax frauds.
People struggled in fear and desperation. Hazardous smog and haze has once again shrouded northern China, making it impossible to face the brutal reality--how to save the ever worsening environment. Law makers are making their effort.
"The long-awaited tax, which will replace the current administrative penalties that are widely seen as ineffective, will be more powerful in discouraging companies from polluting and will fuel investment in the green industry," said reporter Hou Na.
Under the draft law, the tax will be levied based on emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, dust and ammoniacal nitrogen, as well as chemical oxygen demand.
"The draft should include provisions that ensure environment tax income being used for environmental protection. I suggest we establish special fund for that money," said Chen Zhu, member of NPC Standing Committee.
"We know that tax income should go to public budget, but we should first make clear when does the environment tax go?" said Luo Qingquan, member of NPC Standing Committee.
Law makers suggest that the draft should inspire companies to invest in anti-pollution technology, boosting this nascent sector and providing a new growth point for the economy.
"The draft should give specific reward to companies who use green technology and meet the emission standard," said Cai Fang, member of NPC Standing Committee.
Law makers also called for specific rules clarifying punishments for tax dodgers, and stressed that environment authorities should cooperate with the tax watchdog to strengthen supervision over violators. The draft will be put to vote on Sunday.
