Core Points - The legislative process of the Ecological Environment Code in China has advanced, with the second draft of the Pollution Prevention and Control section and the Legal Responsibilities and Supplementary Provisions section submitted for review by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on October 24 [1] Group 1: Air Pollution Prevention - The second draft of the Pollution Prevention and Control section focuses on addressing weaknesses in air pollution prevention, enhancing standards for volatile organic compounds, and strengthening regulations on emissions from heavy-duty trucks and ships [1][2] - The draft expands the definition of "organic solvents" to include "raw and auxiliary materials and products containing volatile organic compounds," thereby broadening the scope of regulation [2] Group 2: Water Pollution Prevention - The draft further details regulations on water pollution prevention, including provisions for groundwater condition surveys and stricter standards for wastewater discharge from inland vessels [3] - It emphasizes the need for clear responsibilities among government levels, regulatory bodies, and enterprises, enhancing technical support and standards for effective water pollution control [3] Group 3: Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution - The draft strengthens regulations on agricultural non-point source pollution, addressing issues related to financial support, management of agricultural inputs, and disposal of agricultural waste [4][5] Group 4: Principle of Proportionality in Penalties - The draft implements the principle of proportionality in penalties, optimizing fine regulations to avoid excessive penalties for minor infractions and vice versa [6][7] Group 5: Combating Fraudulent Practices - The draft imposes strict penalties for fraudulent practices in environmental monitoring, including falsifying data and reports, to ensure data integrity and enhance public trust [8]