Ministry of Environmental Protection of China

The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) of the Government of the People's Republic of China, formerly State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), is a cabinet-level ministry in the executive branch of the Chinese Government (People's Republic of China). It replaced the SEPA during the March 2008 National People's Congress sessions in Beijing. The Ministry is the nation's environmental protection department charged with the task of protecting China's air, water, and land from pollution and contamination. Directly under the State Council, it is empowered and required by law to implement environmental policies and enforce environmental laws and regulations. Complementing its regulatory role, it funds and organizes research and development. In addition, it also serves as China's nuclear safety agency.