Yesterday, the Verkhovna Rada has adopted the Law “On Environmental Impact Assessment” with the proposals of the President of Ukraine. This document aims to establish the legal and organizational basis of the environmental impact assessments during the decision-making on the economic activities which can have a significant influence on the environment. The introduction of this procedure should help to reduce negative environmental impact and ensure its safety and environmental security.
This bill was passed by the Parliament last year, but the President has returned it with remarks for further review. According to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Recourses Ostap Semerak, in a new version of the draft law, they took into account the issues of defense, emergency situations, planned activities on the territory of anti-terrorist operations and in the exclusion zone. Also, there was strengthened responsibility for corruption and modified issues of public participation.
By law, preparation of environmental impact assessment involves several steps. At first, the economic entity should present a report on the possible environmental impact. Then, the public discussion takes place. After that, the authorized body analyzes the received information (report, results of the public hearings and other additional information) and provides a grounded conclusion. This conclusion of the environmental impact assessment will be taken into consideration in the decision on the introduction of the planned economic activity.
According to Semerak, adoption of the bill makes it possible to implement a progressive and pro-European model of an environmental impact assessment and fulfill the EU Directives.
Also, the introduction of an environmental impact assessment will enable Ukraine to fulfill obligations under the Agreement on the establishment of the Energy Community.
Source: Government portal