After decades of rapid economic growth, China is now trying to ease on the brakes and emphasize environmental protection.
Local governments have helped drive the country's economic growth, but now it's hoped they will pursue environmental aspirations.
In his government work report, Premier Wen Jiabao set this year's target for China's GDP growth at about 8 percent, much lower than the previous years' double digit targets.
The slowdown aims to give the economy more breathing space to restructure, while bolstering environmental protection.
Wen Jiabao, Chinese Premier, said, "We've set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and we are developing cleaner energy alternatives."
For years, local officials have promoted growing national GDP. But to power that growth, the country has relied heavily on fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The Ministry of Environmental Protection argues the assessment system should also consider the price of growth.
Zhang Lijun, Vice Minister of Environment Protection, said, "The Ministry supports the visions of local governors to develop their cities and provinces. But development should not come at the cost of the environment."
Many other NPC deputies also believe it's time to slow down and shift the focus of growth from quantity to quality.
While some deputies stress the importance of strategic planning, others have put forward more detailed proposals.
Dong Mingzhu, NPC Deputy, said, "One of the proposals I've submitted is that we establish a national standard for recycling e-waste. Every household discards electric appliances once they're no longer needed. We face environmental hazards, unless we recycle e-waste."
