Author: FABIANO MAISONNAVE Associated Press, ABC News
Published on: 10/06/2025 | 14:26:17
AI Summary:
Brazil is fast-tracking a series of controversial decisions that undercut President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s lofty environmental rhetoric. Congress is moving to make it harder to recognize Indigenous land and easier to build infrastructure in the rainforest. Environmental advocates say they’re undermining Lula’s claims to be an environmental defender. Brazil’s environmental protection agency rejected the state-run oil company’s bid to conduct exploratory drilling. IBAMA approved a rock-blasting operation along 40 km (25 miles) of the Tocantins River. The river, which cuts through the Amazon rainforest, is set to become a critical waterway. Brazil gets most of its own electricity from hydropower and other green energies, while its oil exports are on the rise. Emails to the president’s chief of staff seeking comment were not answered. On May 21, the Senate approved sweeping legislation weakens federal agencies’ environmental licensing powers. The bill streamlines review for projects deemed priorities by the federal government. The bill is opposed by Lula’s Workers’ Party, but according to several press reports Lula will support of the bulk of the changes. Climate Observatory, a network of 133 environmental, civil society and academic groups, said in a statement. Former U.S. Interior Interior Bruce Babbitt said the bill will lead to massive destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Environment Minister Marina Silva said the law will end one of Brazil’s crucial mechanisms of environmental protection. Local media have reported that Lula’s Chief of Staff Rui Costa promised the bill’s sponsor. Minister of Transportation Renan Filho said the bill is “excellent” news.
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