New pollution law nears review stage

Proposal approved by State Council includes toughest penalties so far

China is one step closer to imposing the toughest ever penalties on air pollution, as a draft code on air pollution control is likely to be ready for lawmakers' review as soon as next month, experts said.

An executive meeting of the State Council, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, approved the draft amendment to the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law on Wednesday.