In Brazil, MPs adopt a simplification law deemed "devastating" for the environment

For Brazilian environmentalists, this is one of the most environmentally damaging bills in recent decades. Following the Senate's passage last May, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies adopted, on the night of July 6-7, a bill to relax environmental regulations, dubbed the "Law of Devastation" by its critics.
At the heart of the 56-page document are two acronyms: LAE, for "special environmental license," and LAC, for "license by adhesion and commitment." The first allows the executive branch to choose work projects considered "strategic," which will be subject to accelerated procedures, with a maximum authorization period of one year, regardless of the ecological impact.
The second will allow companies to have their environmental exploitation projects approved by simple self-declaration, provided they are considered "small" or "medium" in scope – the definition of these two terms being left to federal entities, such as states or city halls. In addition, it removes the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, an organ of the Ministry of the Environment, from its right of veto over work in protected areas.
You have 73.26% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
Le Monde