The Chinese government is considering an environmental tax, and also discussing a tax on carbon emissions, Cri.com reported Wednesday, citing an official.

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Xie Zhenhua, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference on Nov 23 that government agencies are actively working on an environmental protection tax, and might introduce the tax in future.

During the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2016), the government will largely use market and economic measures to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Xie said.

Some cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, are participating in a carbon credit exchange trial, Xie added.