On 5 May 2023, a series of amendments were added to the Environmental Law for the Protection of the Land in Mexico City by the Environment Secretary.
The reforms include the promotion of technologies for the use of solar energy in homes, businesses, and services, as well as the creation of pollinator gardens in the public, private, and social spheres to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the resilience of the ecosystem.
It also establishes the duty of the municipal authorities to create pollinator gardens within their territory, using at least 1% of the total budget allocated to the environment, climate change and environmental welfare.
On the other hand, it is ordered to develop an environmental standard that establishes the maximum permissible limits of artificial light that illuminates the environment and regulates the emissions of the same as well as the control of light pollution that establishes the procedure for its measurement and determines which establishments are regulated.
Some of the criteria to be considered for the prevention and control of light pollution are (i) that public lighting should follow energy efficiency principles as well as maintain the natural conditions of nighttime hours to promote healthy rest for both the population and the city's nocturnal fauna, and (ii) reduce intrusive light in natural environments and inside the building.
On the other hand, on May 8, 2023, the Mining Law, the National Water Law, the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection, and the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste were amended regarding mining and water concessions. The relevant aspect of this amendment is that it establishes several obligations for the holders of mining concessions such as:
- Take care of the environment by implementing measures such as presenting waste management programs, notifying the authorities of any incident that jeopardizes the ecological balance, presenting a letter of credit that guarantees possible damages to the environment, and having a Mine Restoration, Closure, and Post-Closure Program.
- Prepare and provide the authorities with impact studies, Mine Restoration, Closure and Post-Closure Programs, letters of credit to guarantee possible damages caused by mining activities, and waste management programs.
This implies a significant advance in environmental matters since we can notice a trend to protect the environment in sectors that may harm it, such as mining, for example, and the concern of the Mexican authorities to protect the environment.
For more information on sustainability claims and greenwashing in Mexico please see here
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