Brasilia, July 31: Brazilian lawmakers have passed a controversial bill that significantly relaxes environmental regulations, prompting sharp criticism from civil society groups and environmentalists who warn it could lead to vast deforestation and jeopardize Indigenous lands.
The legislation, dubbed the “devastation bill” by opponents, was approved in the lower house early Thursday by 267 votes to 116. It now awaits President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s decision, who has 15 working days to sign or veto the bill.
Even if vetoed, the conservative-dominated Congress could override the decision, potentially triggering a legal battle in the Supreme Court. Legal experts have argued that provisions in the legislation may violate constitutional protections.
“This is the greatest setback to Brazil’s environmental law since the 1980s,” said Suely Araújo, public policy coordinator at the Climate Observatory and former president of the environmental protection agency Ibama. “We’re seeing the implosion of Brazil’s environmental licensing system.”
The bill allows medium-impact projects, including those in mining and agriculture, to bypass traditional licensing requirements through a self-declared online form. Previously, this streamlined approval was limited to low-risk ventures. Araújo estimated that 90% of environmental licensing in the country would now fall under the weakened review process.
The law also limits the role of Indigenous and quilombola protection agencies in the approval process, excluding input for projects on lands that are not officially titled. More than 30% of Indigenous and 80% of quilombola territories are still awaiting formal recognition.
Dinamam Tuxá, executive coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib), said the legislation amounted to the “legalisation of a process of extermination” of traditional communities. “Lula should veto the bill, but we know Congress could overturn that. Civil society must remain mobilised,” he added.
Environment Minister Marina Silva, a vocal opponent within the administration, called the measure “the burial of environmental licensing.” Activists have criticised the government for not doing more to block the legislation’s passage, with some accusing it of tacitly allowing it to move forward.
The bill’s approval comes just months before Brazil is set to host the COP30 climate summit in the Amazon city of Belém in November. Critics say the legislation undermines the country’s global environmental credibility.
“This law is a serious setback and will shape how Brazil is viewed by those who saw it as an environmental leader,” Araújo said. If enacted, the bill is expected to face a wave of constitutional challenges in court.
