Brazil’s Congress deals another blow to Lula by reversing vetoes on controversial environmental law
Brazil’s National Congress has overturned 52 of the 59 vetoes issued by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the country’s new General Environmental Licensing Law, a move seen as a major boost for agribusiness and infrastructure sectors, and a setback for environmental protections.
The law eases key safeguards by allowing companies to begin certain works through simplified self-declaration instead of full environmental impact assessments. It also broadens the range of activities eligible for fast-track licensing and shifts part of the regulatory power from federal authorities to state and municipal levels, raising concerns about uneven enforcement across Brazil.
Beyond technical regulations, the reversal has significant social implications. Indigenous, quilombola and traditional communities lose important layers of protection and consultation in areas where projects may affect their lands — many of which remain without formal titles. Critics warn this could expose vulnerable groups to greater pressure from large-scale developments.
Internationally, the decision comes just days after Brazil hosted COP30 in the Amazon, where the government sought to project leadership on climate and forest conservation. The congressional move complicates that message, suggesting internal divisions over environmental policy at a moment when global attention remains focused on the Amazon’s future.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
