Comparative Study of China and Foreign Environmental Impact Assessment Systems: The Legitimate Legal Procedures of Environment and Development Decision-Making

Author: Wang Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important legal system established by countries worldwide to coordinate the conflicting economic 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 empirical research methods, starting from major decision-making behaviors and controversial 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 the relevant technical specifications applicable to the implementation of the EIA system. Additionally, it discusses several major EIA disputes involving the infringement of public environmental rights that occurred after the implementation of China's "Environmental Impact Assessment Law," combining with current laws, regulations, rules, and EIA technical standards to analyze 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 universities, environmental science students and faculty, researchers, government administrators, environmental law enforcement officers, and individuals passionate about environmental public welfare.