A research team led by Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), visited the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Feb 14 for a meeting on the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Law.

Gao Hucheng, chairman of the NPC's Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee, chaired the meeting, which included a briefing by Sun Jinlong, secretary of the MEE's Party leadership group.

Shen said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee has galvanized unprecedented efforts for ecological and environmental protection and taken all factors into consideration with overall plans and multiple measures, which led to greater sense of purpose and willingness to pursue green growth, moves to tackle pollution, and notable improvements to the eco-environment.

Recognizing the overall progress that has been made, Shen called for greater attention to daunting challenges, such as a fragile foundation of the ecological environment, development gaps to be closed, prominent issues afflicting some regions and industries, and the arduous task of meeting the country's carbon peak and neutrality goals.

Shen said it's important to adhere to the principle of seeking the harmonious coexistence between man and nature and putting into practice the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. To win tough battles, anti-pollution efforts should be firmly science-based, goal-oriented and in compliance with the law.

Committed to the rule of law in fighting pollution and advancing environmental protection, the 13th NPC Standing Committee has carried out thorough inspections of law enforcement, giving priorities to publicity and implementation of the law, performance of legal duties, and holding violators accountable, according to Shen.

She said such inspections in four consecutive years have covered eight laws and regulations key to environmental protection, with top legislator Li Zhanshu leading five of them. This year, the NPC Standing Committee will carry out another inspection on the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law, accoridng to Shen, adding that this is the second inspection after its amendment in 2014, with the first one in 2016.

In his briefing, Sun said the NPC Standing Committee has scaled up support for ecological and environmental protection and constantly improved legislation and supervision for such efforts. The MEE will fully cooperate with the inspection and make sure that the Environmental Protection Law is thoroughly and effectively implemented, he added.