BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday urged local governments to control growth of sectors that consume too much energy and emit too many pollutants.

    A statement from an executive meeting of the State Council, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, said local governments should respect strict environmental protection criteria when approving projects and encourage the development of energy saving technology.

    An effective system for monitoring and evaluating energy saving and pollution reduction should be established and regular inspections should be carried out, the statement read.

    The statement also said enterprises which fail to meet environmental protection criteria should be severely punished.

    The meeting also adopted draft amendments to the Scientific and Technological Progress Law, adding provisions on encouraging companies to make innovations and apply new technologies to industry and provisions on training, rewarding scientists and technicians and protecting their rights.

    The draft will be submitted for deliberation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress after further amendments, according to the meeting.