China launches new energy body

China’s government announced the creation of a new high-level body Tuesday to promote energy security and conservation amid soaring demand for imported oil and gas.

China is the world’s second-biggest oil consumer after the United States. Its communist leaders see growing reliance on imported energy as a potential strategic weakness and are trying to curb environmental damage from its heavy use of fossil fuels.


The new National Energy Commission, part of the Cabinet’s economic planning agency, will bring together functions scattered among government ministries and departments, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

Officials have talked for years about the need for such a body to coordinate energy policy. Some are pushing for creation of a full-fledged ministry similar to the U.S. Energy Department.

The Cabinet secretary-general, Hua Jianmin, said the energy commission will be in charge of drawing up industry plans, encouraging conservation and promoting alternative energy, according to Xinhua.

Business Week