Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reforming the three core systems of ecological environment zoning control, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and pollutant discharge permits to enhance ecological governance modernization and support high-quality development [1][13]. Summary by Sections System Positioning - Ecological environment zoning control provides the "bottom line" and "framework" for various development activities, serving as a foundational system for ecological management and ensuring the construction of a beautiful China [2][14]. - EIA acts as the main system for source prevention, controlling environmental access for planning and projects, and requires reform to reduce burdens on grassroots while maintaining strict access controls [2][14]. - Pollutant discharge permits are the core system for regulating fixed pollution sources, connecting source control with end-of-pipe governance, and enabling precise lifecycle management of pollution sources [2][14]. System Interconnection - The three systems are interconnected, forming a logical loop of "spatial control—access control—emission regulation," with each system aiming to improve environmental quality through precise management [3][15]. - Zoning control focuses on spatial dimensions, EIA on decision-making dimensions, and pollutant discharge permits on emission dimensions, each addressing different aspects of environmental management [3][15]. Implementation Sequence - Zoning control is foundational and precedes other management, EIA occurs during planning and project decision-making, and pollutant discharge permits are implemented during the operational phase of projects [4][16]. Reform Significance - Reforming ecological environment zoning control is crucial for enhancing the synergy among the three systems, improving their scientific and operational effectiveness, and providing a basis for optimizing EIA and pollutant discharge permit systems [5][17]. Key Reform Directions for Pollutant Discharge Permits - The vision for pollutant discharge permits is to establish a comprehensive, scientifically sound, and efficient "one-permit" regulatory system for fixed pollution sources, transitioning from broad to precise control [8][20]. - Key reform tasks include comprehensive coverage of all pollutants, effective interlinking with zoning control and EIA, full lifecycle management, promoting quality standards, and clarifying corporate responsibilities [8][20]. Implementation Pathways - Establish a permit emission volume determination system based on environmental quality goals, enhancing precision and adaptability to local conditions [21]. - Promote interlinked management across environmental systems, ensuring cohesive regulatory frameworks and processes [21]. - Advance "one-permit" management to integrate pollution and carbon emissions control, utilizing a unified information management platform for comprehensive reporting and management [10][22].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reforming the three core systems of ecological environment zoning control, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and pollutant discharge permits to enhance ecological governance and support high-quality development [1][5]. Summary by Sections Ecological Environment Zoning Control - Ecological environment zoning control provides the "bottom line" and "framework" for various development activities, serving as a foundational system for ecological management [2]. - It is essential for ensuring the construction of a beautiful China, with ecological protection red lines, environmental quality bottom lines, and resource utilization upper lines as key components [2][3]. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - EIA acts as a primary system for source prevention, crucial for controlling environmental access for planning and projects [2]. - The EIA system has developed over 40 years but faces challenges that require reform to reduce burdens on local levels while maintaining strict access controls [2][3]. Pollutant Discharge Permits - Pollutant discharge permits are the core system for regulating fixed pollution sources, linking source control with end-of-pipe treatment [2][3]. - The permits are essential for precise lifecycle management of fixed pollution sources [2]. Interconnections Among the Three Systems - The three systems are interconnected, forming a logical closed loop of "spatial control—access control—emission regulation" [3]. - Each system focuses on improving environmental quality through precise management, supporting the overall ecological environment system [3]. Distinctions Among the Systems - Different control dimensions: zoning control focuses on spatial dimensions, EIA on decision-making, and discharge permits on emission dimensions [3][4]. - Different target objects: zoning control covers all spatial units, EIA focuses on specific projects, and discharge permits target fixed pollution sources [3][4]. Reforming Ecological Environment Zoning Control - Zoning control is seen as a basis for the synergy of the three systems, requiring reforms to enhance its scientific and operational effectiveness [5]. - Key areas for reform include strengthening multi-factor collaborative management, supporting precise standard formulation, and improving the institutional guarantee system [5][6][7]. Future Directions for Pollutant Discharge Permits - The vision for pollutant discharge permits is to establish a comprehensive, scientifically sound, and efficient regulatory system [8]. - Core reform tasks include full-factor coverage, integrated management, full-cycle control, quality standards, and reinforcing corporate responsibility [8][9][10]. Implementation Pathways for Optimizing Discharge Permits - Establishing a permit emission volume determination system based on environmental quality goals is crucial [9]. - Promoting interlinked management across zoning control, EIA, and discharge permits is necessary for effective governance [9]. - Implementing a "one certificate" management approach for coordinated pollution and carbon reduction is essential [10].