Law approved by Brazilian Parliament to increase flexibility in issuing environmental permits, sparking debates over potential ecological impacts
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a contentious law that has been labelled the 'destruction legislation' by environmental activists. The bill, known as Bill 2,159/2021, passed with 267 votes in favour and 116 against, following earlier Senate approval. The legislation is now headed to the office of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has 15 working days to either sign it into law or veto it entirely.
The core provisions of the bill include the introduction of 'licensing by adhesion and commitment', which allows projects to be approved by filling out an online form, popularly known as 'self-licensing'. This could potentially benefit 80% of all ventures, including major infrastructure and mining projects.
The law also authorises the federal government to fast-track 'strategic' projects, further reducing scrutiny and oversight. Agribusiness activities are fully exempted from requiring environmental licenses, effectively removing legal constraints on potentially environmentally damaging practices.
The legislation also weakens consultative requirements for Indigenous and Quilombola communities, especially for territories without formal demarcation. This could expose vulnerable communities to land grabs, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
States are empowered to further relax environmental requirements, leading to a patchwork of standards and increased legal uncertainty. The bill also dispenses with robust technical criteria and prior scientific analysis in favour of speed and administrative convenience.
Environmental groups, scientists, and some government officials have strongly condemned the passage of this legislation. The implications are far-reaching, with increased deforestation and environmental damage expected, especially in the Amazon and other sensitive biomes. The bill also poses threats to Indigenous and Traditional Communities, undermines Brazil’s credibility as a global leader on climate and biodiversity, and creates legal uncertainty for investors and businesses.
If enacted, the law's provisions will likely face immediate legal challenges, and its impact on Brazil’s environment, indigenous rights, and international reputation will be closely monitored in the coming months.
The Brazilian government, through this controversial legislation known as Bill 2,159/2021, is set to alter environmental-science regulations, as it allows for 'licensing by adhesion and commitment', benefiting a significant portion of ventures in science, politics, and general-news sectors, such as major infrastructure and mining projects. However, environmental activists, scientists, and certain government officials have vocally criticized the bill, expressing concern over potential environmental damage, threats to Indigenous and Traditional Communities, and a possible negative impact on Brazil's international reputation.
