The Chinese government will take new measures to step up environmental protection this year, including the trade of pollutant discharge rights and raising taxes for pollutant discharge, according to sources with the Ministry of Finance.

In 2007, the government will experiment with the trade of pollutant discharge rights in the power industry and in east China's Taihu Lake area.

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 be promulgated to encourage the recovery of waste and used materials and develop renewable energy, substitute energy and new energy.

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

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2007)