Argentina passes bill loosening protection of its glaciers
The new bill will make it easier for provincial governments to allow mining projects in glacier regions.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"empower[s] the provinces to utilise their resources"
— Javier Milei , Politician
"Without water, we can't even think about a growth and development project."
— Natalia de la Sota , Politician
"This law protects glaciers, no matter how much some people want us to believe otherwise."
— Nancy Picón Martínez , Politician
"The primary function of all glaciers and the entire periglacial environment is to act as a freshwater reservoir."
— Agostina Rossi Serra , Activist
"Estamos totalmente a favor porque [en la provincia de San Juan] tenemos experiencia minera y de falta de agua."
— José Peluc , Politician
"Se abre un escenario de poca previsibilidad, el efecto contrario al que busca el Gobierno de Milei."
— Miguel Ángel Pichetto , Politician
"The science is clear...there is absolutely no possibility of creating what they (the government) call a 'sustainable mine' in a periglacial environment."
— Flavia Broffoni , Activist
"Combining environmental protection and sustainable development is possible."
— Nicolas Mayoraz , Politician
"Environmentalists would rather see us starve than have anything touched."
— Javier Milei , Politician
"The science is clear...there is absolutely no possibility of creating what they (the government) call a 'sustainable mine' in a periglacial environment."
— Flavia Broffoni , Activist
"Environmentalists would rather see us starve than have anything touched."
— Javier Milei , Politician
"Combining environmental protection and sustainable development is possible."
— Nicolas Mayoraz , Politician
"We want legal certainty, we want clear definitions."
— Michael Meding , Executive
"The reform threatened the water supply of '70 percent' of Argentine people."
— Enrique Viale , Academic
Key People
Biologist working with Greenpeace, criticizing the bill.
Enrique Viale is the president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers.
Flavia Broffoni is an environmental activist speaking against the bill.
Javier Milei is the current President of Argentina known for his controversial labor law reform proposals.
José Peluc is a deputy representing the Libertad Avanza party.
Michael Meding is the director of the Los Azules copper mining project.
Miguel Ángel Pichetto is a deputy from the Provincias Unidas block.
Congresswoman supporting the bill and the mining industry.
Congresswoman opposing the bill on environmental grounds.
Nicolas Mayoraz is an MP from Javier Milei's ruling party La Libertad Avanza.
Tags
All Coverage
The new bill will make it easier for provincial governments to allow mining projects in glacier regions.
The Argentine Chamber of Deputies is debating changes to the Glacier Protection Law to allow mining in previously protected areas. The bill, already approved by the Senate, aims to redefine protected zones and grant provinces more authority over environmental regulations.
Argentine MPs approved a bill promoted by President Javier Milei that authorizes mining in ecologically sensitive areas of glaciers and permafrost. The amendment to the Glacier Law aims to facilitate mining for metals such as copper, lithium, and silver in the Andes mountains.
Argentina's Congress passed a controversial bill promoted by President Javier Milei that weakens protections for glaciers to boost metal mining investments. Environmental groups plan to legally challenge the law, citing concerns over water safety and ecosystem threats.
Argentina's Congress approved a reform to the Glacier Law, allowing provinces to evaluate glaciers individually and permit mining activities unless deemed crucial for water functions. The reform aims to boost mining in the Andes but faces opposition from environmental groups.
Argentine MPs are considering a bill promoted by President Javier Milei that authorizes mining in ecologically sensitive areas of glaciers and permafrost. The amendment to the Glacier Law aims to facilitate mining for metals like copper, lithium, and silver in the Andes.
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