Environmental impact assessment as an instrument of public policy for controlling economic growth

In order to solve the conflict between economic growth and environmental protection, the environmental impact assessment system used by western countries has been gradually introduced into China. It is a scientific and professional assessment system, which is regarded as the best tool to solve the conflict between economic growth and environmental protection. The implementation of the environmental impact assessment system can undoubtedly prevent some construction projects from having serious adverse impact on the environment. Through the comparison and selection of the feasibility schemes, the environmental impact of some construction projects can be minimized. Therefore, the environmental impact assessment system is regarded as an important pillar and effective legal system for the implementation of predictive environmental policy, which has attracted more and more attention in the world. In order to implement the strategy of sustainable development, prevent the adverse impact on the environment caused by the implementation of planning and construction projects, and promote the coordinated development of economy, society and environment, China has formulated the environmental impact assessment law. The law came into force on September 1, 2003 and was amended for the second time on December 29, 2018.

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Misplacing Nema A Consideration of Some Problematic Aspects of South Africa's New EIA Regulations

Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad ◽

10.17159/1727-3781/2010/v13i5a2711 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 79

Author(s):

Jeremy Ridl ◽

Ed Couzens

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Environmental Management ◽

Environmental Impact ◽

Impact Assessment ◽

Environmental Protection ◽

South African ◽

Environmental Impact Assessment ◽

Environmental Legislation ◽

Danger Signs ◽

National Environmental

In mid-2006, new Regulations governing environmental impact assessment were published in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. It is argued in this article that the old Regulations under the Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989, which were replaced, had proved inadequate not because of any inherent deficiency, but because they were never properly implemented and because they were instead subjected to much inaccurate criticism. The article then canvasses the old Regulations and considers criticisms thereof, before canvassing the new Regulations and assessing differences between the old and the new. Various specific concerns and potential shortcomings are raised and considered; and various interpretations are offered of problematic provisions. A prognosis for the success and/or failure of the new Regulations is then put forward in the context of the South African government's present approach to economic growth, environmental protection and the enforcement of environmental legislation. Finally, it is argued that there are danger signs that the new Regulations will be as misunderstood and misapplied as were the old Regulations and that the fundamental principles of the National Environmental Management Act are likely not to be adhered to in the implementation of the new Regulations.

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