The new Environmental Protection Law was passed in April 2014. It has been referred as “the strictest environmental protection law ever” because it includes provisions concerning penalties calculated on a daily basis，sequestration，administrative detention，enhanced information disclosure and public engagement，and clarified requirements for parties to file environmental public interest litigation. Despite these advancements，we are not necessarily optimistic about the prospects of this law after it goes into effect. In reality，it is difficult to rapidly solve persistent problems such as loose enforcement and impunity and to confront severe problems with environmental law enforcement officials，including lack of expertise，inability to investigate，inaction and unnecessary action. The effective implementation of the new Environmental Protection Law faces many tough challenges.

Meanwhile，despite some controversy，draft amendments to China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law have been completed and submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress（NPC）for review. China’s Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Law and the Nuclear Safety Law are still being drafted.