Brazil Environmental Bill: Reject Now
- A controversial bill in Brazil's congress,the General Environmental Licensing Law (LGLA),is drawing criticism for perhaps dismantling environmental protections.
- Bill 2.159/21, supported by agribusiness and the oil and gas sectors, introduces a "special environmental license" for projects deemed strategically vital by the government.
- While oil and gas projects would still require prior assessment, these evaluations would focus solely on the "directly affected area," disregarding the broader climate impacts of burning extracted...
Brazil’s General Environmental Licensing Law (LGLA) faces intense scrutiny, with a new bill threatening to weaken environmental protections. This legislation, backed by powerful interests, could drastically accelerate oil and gas extraction and deforestation, especially in the Amazon.Indigenous rights and UN experts are raising alarms about the potential impact on land rights. The proposed law’s consequences could be far-reaching, and Environmental Minister Marina Silva is already anticipating legal battles. If passed, Brazil’s international reputation is at risk, especially as it prepares to host COP30. Read this News Directory 3 report to understand the critical need to reject this dangerous Environmental Bill. Discover what’s next regarding the bill’s future.
brazil’s Environmental Licensing Law Faces Scrutiny
Updated June 11,2025
A controversial bill in Brazil’s congress,the General Environmental Licensing Law (LGLA),is drawing criticism for perhaps dismantling environmental protections. If passed, the law could expedite oil and gas extraction, cattle ranching, and deforestation, particularly in the Amazon rainforest.
Bill 2.159/21, supported by agribusiness and the oil and gas sectors, introduces a “special environmental license” for projects deemed strategically vital by the government. This could lead to fast-tracked approvals for ventures like Amazon oil exploration, despite potential environmental consequences. the proposed law would also exempt various high-impact industries, such as agroforestry and livestock farming, from needing licenses, requiring only an environmental adherence form.
While oil and gas projects would still require prior assessment, these evaluations would focus solely on the “directly affected area,” disregarding the broader climate impacts of burning extracted fuels. Some legislators believe this will boost Amazon oil exploration, a move President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has supported. Brazil’s environmental agency, IBAMA, recently authorized Petrobras, the state oil company, to conduct an oil spill response exercise in the Amazon, potentially paving the way for future drilling.
Thousands of Brazilians have protested the bill,which they call a “devastation bill.” Environmental and human rights advocates warn that its approval would undermine Brazil’s environmental safeguards. Indigenous peoples and UN experts have also cautioned that the bill could exclude relevant authorities from participating in projects affecting Indigenous and quilombola lands, violating their right to free, prior, and informed consent.
Environmental Minister Marina Silva anticipates significant legal challenges if the bill passes, citing its “clear unconstitutionality” and labeling it a “demolition of environmental legislation.” Silva has clashed with legislators pushing for oil, mining, and highway projects in the Amazon, facing derogatory remarks during Senate hearings.
Marina Silva: “[The bill is a] demolition of environmental legislation.”
As Brazil prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), its credibility as a climate leader is at stake. Advocates say protecting rights amid the climate emergency requires Brazil to reject this environmental licensing law.
What’s next
The Chamber of Deputies will consider the bill. If approved, it would then go to President Lula, who would have the option to veto it.