国泰海通｜环保：生态环境法典通过，我国生态环境治理进入新阶段

Core Viewpoint - The Ecological Environment Code represents a significant legislative advancement in China's ecological governance, marking the transition to a foundational institutionalization of ecological civilization [3]. Summary by Sections Legislative Development - The Ecological Environment Code was passed on March 12, 2026, during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress and will take effect on August 15, 2026. It consists of 5 parts and 1,242 articles, replacing 10 existing laws including the Environmental Protection Law [2][3]. System Integration - The Code aims to consolidate existing environmental regulations into a unified framework, reducing the fragmentation of rules and lowering implementation costs. This integration enhances the predictability of enforcement and the collaborative capacity of governance [3][4]. Structural Changes - The Code features a comprehensive framework covering general principles, pollution prevention, ecological protection, green low-carbon development, and legal responsibilities. It emphasizes that the codification process is not merely a compilation but an appropriate integration and necessary improvement of existing rules [4]. Key Changes - Significant changes include: 1. The incorporation of governance infrastructure such as planning, monitoring standards, environmental assessments, information disclosure, and emergency responses into the Code, facilitating standardized, data-driven, and closed-loop regulation [4]. 2. A dedicated section for green low-carbon development, highlighting the importance of transitioning to a green economy and addressing climate change [4]. 3. The repeal of 10 laws to create a transition point for rules, promoting a shift from a fragmented system to a unified framework, emphasizing systematic governance and public-oriented institutional arrangements [4]. Industry Impact - The transition to a unified regulatory framework under the Code is expected to manifest in: 1. Short-term adjustments in compliance standards and institutional connections [4]. 2. Medium-term increases in the costs of environmental damage compensation and enhanced enforceability of accountability, underscoring the growing importance of compliance capabilities for enterprises in environmental protection [4].