The Task Force was convened because China is facing unprecedented challenges in its efforts to protect the environment and its natural resource base (World Bank, 2001; Economy, 2004, 2006). The rapid deterioration of the nation’s environmental quality and depletion of its natural resources are threatening the lives and health of the largest population in the world and the potential for sustained growth of the economy (Smil, 1993; Development and Change, 2006). In response, the Chinese government has recently elevated the importance of environment protection in its national development strategy, especially since the Sixth National Conference on Environmental Protection in 2006 (State Council, 2006).