Comparative Analysis on Key Problems of China - USA Plan Environmental Impact Assessment Based on Statute Requirements.

Based on main laws and regulations and practices of China - USA plan Environmental Impact Assessment (P-EIA), comparative analysis is conducted from five aspects: intervening time, screening mechanism, evaluation focus, alternative comparison and public participation of P-EIA. Moreover, five focus points of improving P-EIA effectiveness of China in next stage are proposed: firstly promoting the integration of planning process and P-EIA process by refining statute requirements; secondly establishing plan screening mechanism by combining checklist and procedure; thirdly promoting the matching of evaluation content and planning depth by program design; fourthly creating condition for P-EIA participation in alternative comparison by improving decision-making process; fifthly increasing public participation quality by improving information disclosure and participation ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]