生态环境法典草案进入三审 学者呼吁明确公民环境权

Core Viewpoint - The draft of the Ecological Environment Code is under review, emphasizing the need to include citizens' environmental rights and obligations in the legislation [1][2]. Group 1: Legislative Context - The Ecological Environment Code is the second law in China named as a "code," and its review has garnered significant public attention [1]. - The draft is set to be presented to the 19th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee on December 22 [1]. Group 2: Environmental Rights - Cai Shouqiu, a prominent legal scholar, advocates for the inclusion of citizens' rights to a clean and healthy environment in the Ecological Environment Code [1][2]. - The recognition of environmental rights aligns with international standards, as 156 out of 193 UN member states have legally acknowledged such rights [1]. Group 3: Current Legal Framework - There is a noted tendency in China's environmental law to emphasize citizens' obligations over their rights, which Cai argues is inconsistent with global practices [4][6]. - The draft currently mentions "pollution rights," which may mislead the public into thinking that pollution is being authorized rather than restricted [4][5]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest that the Ecological Environment Code should clearly define public environmental rights and eliminate the term "pollution rights" [6]. - A comprehensive legal framework that includes citizens' rights to a clean environment would support sustainable development goals and contribute to the vision of a beautiful China by 2035 and 2050 [6].