Environmental Protection Law of China (2015) · Yalla China
中华人民共和国环境保护法 / Environmental Protection Law of China (2015)
Enacted: 2014-04-24 ✅ Effective: 2015-01-01
📝 Overview
China's strongest environmental legislation, strengthening government accountability for environmental policies and raising penalties for violations, while empowering citizens to access environmental information.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
Environmental Protection Law (revised 2015): (1) holds local governments accountable for measurable environmental standards; (2) cumulative daily fines: instead of a one-time fine, fines accumulate daily until the violation stops; (3) allows qualified environmental organizations to file public lawsuits in pollution cases; (4) mandatory public disclosure: polluting companies are obligated to publish their emissions data; (5) whistleblower protection for environmental violations. Reporting line: 12369 to report environmental violations.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
The law grants citizens and foreigners the right to access companies' environmental pollution data. This data can be used in compensation lawsuits.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress Standing Committee
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026