Comparative Study on Environmental Impact Assessment Systems in China and Foreign Countries: The Legitimate Legal Procedures for Environmental and Development Decision-Making

Author: Wang Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a significant legal system established by countries worldwide to coordinate conflicts between economic interests and environmental interests in the development and utilization of the environment and resources. Its primary purpose is to ensure the legitimacy of government decisions on various environmental and resource development activities through legal procedures and to prevent potential environmental risks. This book employs an empirical research approach, starting with major decision-making behaviors and contentious cases of the Chinese government in the past, to conduct a detailed analysis and discussion of environmental impact assessment systems in China and abroad. It particularly focuses on comparative studies on major issues such as the general procedures of EIA, the objects and content of EIA, and public participation in EIA. The book reviews the various opinions and disagreements that arose during the formulation of China's "Environmental Impact Assessment Law" and introduces relevant technical specifications applicable to the implementation of the EIA system. Additionally, it discusses several major EIA disputes involving public environmental rights violations that occurred after the implementation of China's "Environmental Impact Assessment Law," combining current laws, regulations, rules, and EIA technical standards to analyze them from the perspective of protecting legal interests. On this basis, it proposes legislative and enforcement recommendations regarding the current status, challenges, and countermeasures of the implementation of China's "Environmental Impact Assessment Law." This book was revised and completed based on the research outcomes of the project "Comparative Study on Environmental Impact Assessment Legislation in China and Abroad" under the Ministry of Education's "Fund for Supporting Outstanding Young Teachers" program. It is suitable for law students and faculty in higher education institutions, environmental science students and faculty, researchers, government administrators, environmental law enforcement officers, and individuals passionate about environmental public welfare.