BEIJING -- The legislators 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.

During panel deliberations on Tuesday afternoon, legislators discussed the draft, which was submitted for a second reading at the ongoing bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

"The draft should include provisions that ensure environment tax income being used for environmental protection," legislator Lyu Wei said during the discussion.

Legislator Chen Weiwen 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.