Ministry of the Environment states that PL 2,159 of 2021 weakens rules and presents risks to the country’s environmental security
The Lula government stated on Thursday (17.Jul.2025) that the general law of environmental licensing () did not achieve “satisfactory results” and has risks to the country’s legal and environmental certainty.
In a statement, MMA (Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) reported that its technical team already works in the analysis of “appropriate referrals” to respond to the effects of the new legislation. The possible measurements were not detailed.
The portfolio, commanded by the minister, said he had dialogue with the project rapporteurs in the National Congress and even formalized a request for the vote to occur only after the parliamentary recess – “in order to allow greater debate and joint construction”.
The text, however, was approved.
The ministry stated that “has always signaled its disagreement in relation to the contents of the PL that weakened environmental licensing instruments”And said he was available to follow in dialogue with Congress.
Marina Silva had already positioned the project on World Environment Day (5.Jun). At the time, he said the changes represent a “deadly blow” in environmental legislation. She criticized attempts to make licensing more flexible on behalf of the speed.
In another speech, in the Planalto Palace, Marina that it is possible to improve the processes, but without “precarious laws”. The tense climate between the minister and the congressmen on the subject.
It establishes, among other points, the creation of LAC and LAE (Special Environmental License), which allows the simplified licensing of major works defined as “national priority” by the government.
Military, small, extensive or semi-intensive, exemption from licensing.
This is the full MMA note:
“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) accompanied the processing of the Bill (PL) 2,159/2021 in the National Congress with the objective of contributing to the improvement of the legal framework of environmental licensing, ensuring the safeguards already won.
“Throughout the process, MMA maintained permanent dialogue with the National Congress – including the proposal rapporteurs in the Senate and the House of Representatives – in search of a text that met the interests of Brazilian society and respect the constitutional guarantees of environmental protection.
“Despite the efforts of MMA and the formal appeal for voting to be postponed to the post-recess period, in order to allow greater debate and joint construction, the text approved at this date did not achieve satisfactory results.
“MMA has always signaled its disagreement in relation to PL contents that weaken environmental licensing instruments and pose a risk to the country’s environmental and legal security.
“Given the approval of the project, the MMA will evaluate the most appropriate institutional paths to face the losses resulting from the absence of environmental licensing procedures compatible with the sustainable preservation and use of our country’s huge natural wealth. The MMA technical team already works in the analysis of appropriate referrals. The ministry reiterates the willingness to follow dialogue with the National Congress and the different sectors of society.
“The objective is to ensure the maintenance of environmental legislation aligned with the demands of the Brazilian population, in line with the social, climate and economic challenges of today and the international commitments signed by Brazil.”
