Core Viewpoint - The draft of the ecological environment code is currently open for public consultation, aiming to enhance the legal framework for ecological environment protection in China [1][2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Legislative Achievements - The ecological environment legislation has made significant progress, with over 30 effective laws and more than 100 administrative regulations currently in place, along with around 1,000 local regulations [1]. Highlights of the Draft Code - **Continuity**: The draft retains effective institutional measures that have been validated through practice, ensuring stability in core areas such as environmental impact assessments and pollution prevention [1]. - **Practicality**: The draft addresses management challenges, such as strengthening the oversight of third-party monitoring agencies to improve data quality [2]. - **Systematic Approach**: It removes redundant and contradictory clauses from existing laws, enhancing the overall coherence and coordination of the legal system [2]. - **Innovation**: The draft elevates certain reform measures, like ecological zoning and environmental damage compensation, to the level of legal provisions [2]. - **Forward-looking**: It includes provisions for emerging areas, such as climate change, which currently lack specific legal frameworks, laying the groundwork for future legislation [2]. Implementation Post-Publication - Following the enactment of the code, it will replace the existing Environmental Protection Law and unify the ecological environment legal framework, leading to the repeal of 10 existing laws [2][3]. - The ecological environment department will conduct a comprehensive review and upgrade of supporting regulations to align with the new code, ensuring consistency and compliance [3]. - There will be a push for supplementary legislation in emerging fields like climate change and green low-carbon development, which currently lack dedicated laws [3].