Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo(C) presides over the meeting on Oct.28 in Beijing. China's top legislature closed its five-day bimonthly session on Sunday, approving a nomination of the country's new minister of public security and adopting four law bills. (Xinhua Photo)

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has passed four laws and amendments. They include a Law on Urban and Rural Planning and a revised edition of the Law on Energy Conservation.

For the first time, construction planning in China's countryside has been integrated with that in the cities.

A major principle of the Law on Urban and Rural Planning is overall development of both urban and rural areas. And planning must take place before construction to prevent any arbitrary activity during construction.

Legislators say the new law meets the need of the country's rapid urbanization.

NPC Standing Committee member Ye Rutang said, "The constitution of the law aims to intensify administration in the planning in both urban and rural areas. It also aims to coordinate the space layout, improve the living environment, and boost the sustainable economic and social development in both urban and rural areas."

Legislators also approved an amendment of the Law on Energy Efficiency. Energy saving will now be a decisive factor in assessing the performance of local government officials.

The law also sets out energy conservation requirements in construction and transportation sectors and in particular, in government institutions.

The draft amendment to the Law on Lawyers was approved after being put to the vote at the end of the five-day session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) after the third reading in Beijing, Oct. 28, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

Besides the two laws on urban-rural planning and energy-saving, legislators on Sunday also approved an amendment to the Civil Procedure Law and a revised Law on Lawyers. In addition, lawmakers reviewed a series of drafts and amendments, including an Administrative Mandatory Law and a revised law on traffic safety.

Editor:ZhangNing