Feb. 21, 2007 (China Knowledge) – The government will employ new measures to step up environmental protection this year, including the trading of pollutant discharge rights and raising taxes for pollutant discharge.

In 2007, the government will experiment with the trading of pollutant discharge rights in the power industry in east China's Taihu Lake area, said sources with the Ministry of Finance to Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the government will adjust taxation policies concerning coal resources to promote orderly exploitation and improve the rate of recovery.

The government will also increase investment in ecological construction and environmental protection this year. New fiscal and taxation policies will encourage the recovery of waste and used materials and develop renewable energy, substitute energy and new energy.

In addition, the level of charges for exploitation of mineral resources and the emission of pollutants will be raised to promote conservation and protect the environment.