Abstract: This article analyzes sulfur dioxide emissions control of 83 new thermal power plant projects submitted for EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) approval during the 9~ th Five-Year Plan period. Among them, 87% planned to use low-sulfur coal, 31% planed to adopt some de-sulphurization measures. From 1997 to 2000, each year more than 60% of the planned projects achieved the result of total emission control (TEC) that resulted in capacity expanding without increasing regional sulfur dioxide emissions. This proportion peaked at 100% in 2000. It is also shown that each year, increased proportion of projects planned to expand achieved no increase in sulfur dioxide emissions at plant level. In conclusion, during the 9~ th Five-Year Plan period, relevant control policies for sulfur dioxide emissions from thermal power plants were well implemented during the EIA process. It is also suggested that the government should consider the relationship between emission standards and total emission control policies to control sulfur dioxide emissions in China.