RETRACTED: Exploration and Prospects: the Systemization Process of Environmental Impact Assessment in China (Retracted Article)

This paper investigates the systemization process of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in China through the review of China's experience in EIA implementation and legislation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the key driving forces of this systemization process and provide advice for future improvement of China's EIA system. It is found that there are three key drivers promoting the systemization of China's EIA: the Government's powerful guidance on the environmental policy implementation; the critical environmental pressure caused by the scale expansion of construction projects and planning activities; and people's consciousness-raising on environmental protection and environmental rights. Based upon the analysis results and China's political, legislative and administrative characteristics, some recommendations are proposed to improve the effectiveness of EIA system in China, in terms of internal measures on refining EIA legislative framework and external mechanisms concerning supporting the efficient operation of EIA legislation. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Organizers of 2011 International Conference on Energy and Environmental Science.