China's first local law regulating radiation emitted by nuclear power plants was passed Friday by a provincial legislature, the standing committee of the People's Congress of Zhejiang, in eastern China.
Scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2003, the law specifies detailed regulations on the monitoring of nuclear radiation emitted by nuclear power plants, emergency measures for nuclear accidents and corresponding legal responsibilities.
Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, China's first, is located in Zhejiang Province. It currently has three reactors in operation, with two more expected to begin operations soon.
Qinshan Plant has maintained an excellent safety record for the past eleven years. Another key plant is under construction in the south of the province.
According to the new law, the public has the right to know the amount and the environmental impact of radiation emitted by nuclear plants.
Although nuclear power is considered a clean energy source, it carries the risk of accidents. It is thus essential to approve legislation to protect public health and safety and to promote the use of nuclear power, said Xu Miaoquan, a senior provincial lawmaker.
In December 1997, the provincial legislature of south China's Guangdong Province enacted a local law on measures to prevent and deal with a nuclear accident. Guangdong has two nuclear power plants, namely, Dayawan and Lingao.
(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2002)
