Brazil Passes Controversial ‘Devastation Bill’ Weakening Environmental Protections

Brazil Passes Controversial ‘Devastation Bill’ Weakening Environmental Protections
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Brazil’s Congress has approved a highly contentious bill that significantly weakens the country’s environmental safeguards, raising fears of increased deforestation and harm to Indigenous communities, The Guardian reported. The legislation, known as the “devastation bill,” passed early Thursday with 267 votes in favor and 116 against, despite opposition from over 350 organizations and social movements.

The bill now awaits the decision of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has 15 working days to either approve or veto it. However, even if vetoed, the predominantly conservative Congress could override his decision, potentially leading to a Supreme Court challenge over the law’s constitutionality.

One of the most criticized provisions allows projects with medium pollution potential to obtain environmental licenses through a self-declared online form, eliminating the need for prior impact assessments and regulatory reviews. Previously, this fast-track licensing was limited to low-risk activities. Experts warn this change will affect about 90% of licensing procedures, including mining and agricultural projects.

The law also restricts the participation of agencies protecting Indigenous and quilombola communities to officially recognized territories, excluding many disputed lands that remain untitled. Indigenous leaders have condemned the bill, calling it a legal endorsement of the destruction of their peoples and lands.

Environmental groups warn the bill represents the most severe setback to Brazil’s environmental legislation in four decades and could damage the country’s reputation ahead of hosting COP30 in the Amazon later this year.