Senate Approves Bill Easing Environmental Licensing in Brazil - Folha de S.Paulo

The Senate has approved a bill that eases and streamlines environmental licensing in Brazil, marking a victory for the agribusiness caucus, the main backer of the proposal, and a defeat for Environment Minister Marina Silva. The bill now returns to the Chamber of Deputies.

Critics argue that the new rules weaken environmental protection. Supporters claim the bill will provide legal certainty, unify regulations, and simplify procedures.

The approved text includes an amendment from Senate President Davi Alcolumbre that allows for expedited processing of projects classified as strategic, regardless of environmental risk. This would apply, for example, to oil exploration at the mouth of the Amazon River.