China's Top Legislature -- the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or NPC -- wrapped up its seven-day bimonthly session on Sunday in Beijing.

Of special note was a much-anticipated draft of the country's first environmental tax law. The long-awaited levy is said to be more powerful in discouraging companies from polluting, and will drive investment in green industries. The tax will be levied based on emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, dust and ammoniacal nitrogen, as well as chemical oxygen demand.

Updated drafts were also passed on general provisions of civil law, traditional Chinese medicine and cultural services. During the session, lawmakers also discussed revising laws concerning e-commerce and water pollution, the quota and election of national deputies for the 13th NPC, and a draft decision on temporary adjustments during a period of military reforms.