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The Xinhua News Agency reports that China’s draft Energy Law is likely to be submitted to the executive meeting of the State Council, or the cabinet, for deliberation in the second half of 2010.

Currently, the law is undergoing revisions in the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council.

The law’s key features include:

• Establishes the “National Energy Administration”
• “Priority development” status will be given to renewable energy to encourage the development of renewable energy to supplant traditional fossil fuel sources over the long-term
• Emphasizes clean and sufficient uses of fossil energies

One of the controversial issues being discussed is whether China should subject itself to greenhouse gas emissions reductions.  Whether or not China mandates emissions cuts, the government has sent several strong signals that it will pursue low-carbon and renewable energy technologies aggressively.

China has been drafting drafting the Energy Law since 2006.  In December of 2007, the government sought public opinions on the draft, but until now the law has not yet been enacted.

More background information on China’s Energy Law.