Brazil has passed a new law that allows for faster approvals of development projects, raising serious concerns about its impact on the Amazon rainforest and local communities. UN special rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño warned it could significantly harm the environment and violate human rights, calling it a "rollback for decades" of protections. The law, known as the "devastation bill," simplifies regulations for infrastructure projects like roads and mining, allowing some developers to self-declare their environmental impact through an online form.
Riaño expressed alarm over a provision for automatic renewal of project licenses without comprehensive environmental assessments, stating this might lead to increased deforestation and ecological damage. She pointed out that earlier, extensive analysis indicated significant deforestation occurring in 2024 due to agricultural and mining pressures, often illegal.
Supporters argue this law streamlines bureaucratic processes, providing certainty for businesses that have faced delays in project approvals. However, critics warn that the lack of rigorous environmental assessments would likely escalate risks of disastrous outcomes and violate the rights of Indigenous and traditional communities.
While the bill has been approved by both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, it awaits President Lula da Silva's decision, who has until August to approve or veto it. The law has drawn strong opposition from Brazil's Environment Minister, Marina Silva, who labeled it a "death blow" to environmental protections. If vetoed, a conservative congress might still attempt to overturn the decision. According to scientists, the bill could lift protections for over 18 million hectares of land, echoing a troubling history of environmental neglect in Brazil.
