The author uses the PRC's environmental protection investment policy as an example to discuss “empirical reality and theory building” issues. The objective is to apply Western policy science research experiences to a comparative study of the institution of this PRC policy. When using Western policy science theories to examine that policy, the significance of PRC experiences to Western policy science theories is also shown. Finally, the replenished policy science theories are used to study ordinary people's views of and questions regarding such PRC policy.