South America: Environment

Mexico's Senate has approved a groundbreaking General Circular Economy Law that fundamentally transforms environmental policy by mandating shared responsibility across government, private sector, and citizens. The legislation introduces Extended Producer Responsibility, requiring companies to manage products throughout their entire lifecycle while establishing new compliance frameworks and certification systems.

In April, Brazil’s National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN) issued Resolution No. 14/2026, establishing requirements for the registration of facilities, the adoption of radiological protection measures...

This alert examines major environmental regulatory developments across Latin America from January to March 2026, including Mexico's new circular economy law, Chile and Costa Rica's marine protected area proposals, and regional initiatives for sustainable finance and plastic waste management.

New Mexico's Environment Department has opened a public comment portal for stakeholders to weigh in on the state's review of exemptions under the PFAS Protection Act, including the controversial fluoropolymer exemption. The review stems from a legislative memorial requesting analysis of whether current exemptions should be retained, modified, or removed based on public health, environmental, and economic risks. NMED will incorporate public feedback into its report ahead of a November 2026 presentation to st

The energy transition in Brazil has gained increasing prominence amid the worsening global climate crisis. In 2024, for the first time, the planet recorded a temperature increase exceeding...

On August 8, 2025, following the long and contentious proceedings of Bill No. 2,159/2021, Law No. 15,190/2025 was enacted with 63 presidential vetoes, establishing...

The State of Rio de Janeiro has enacted a new decree that fundamentally restructures its environmental licensing system, introducing novel license types and aligning state regulations with recent federal environmental legislation. These changes establish new validity periods, priority processing criteria, and requirements for greenhouse gas emissions management that will affect how companies navigate environmental compliance.

Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency has opened public consultation on draft regulations for monitoring and verifying CO₂ emissions from domestic flights under the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program. Air operators emitting 10,000 tonnes or more annually will need to comply with escalating emissions reduction targets starting at 1% in 2027 and reaching 10% by 2037, primarily through retiring SAF Sustainability Certificates or alternative compliance mechanisms including lower carbon aviation

O Decreto nº 13.094/2026 regulamenta o ProBioQAV e estabelece metas progressivas para combustível sustentável de aviação, enquanto o STF suspende demolição de residência em APP e adia julgamento crucial sobre a Lei Geral do Licenciamento Ambiental. Essas decisões marcam desenvolvimentos significativos na regulação ambiental brasileira, afetando desde o setor de aviação até a proteção de áreas de preservação perman

Mexico's environmental authority has mandated the use of a digital platform for submitting environmental impact assessments and related permits. Companies in sectors like automotive, mining, energy, and infrastructure must now navigate new electronic filing requirements that could affect project timelines and regulatory compliance strategies.

The State of Rio de Janeiro has enacted a new decree that fundamentally restructures its environmental licensing system, introducing novel license types and aligning state regulations with recent federal environmental legislation. These changes establish new validity periods, priority processing criteria, and requirements for greenhouse gas emissions management that will affect how companies navigate environmental compliance.

Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency has opened public consultation on draft regulations for monitoring and verifying CO₂ emissions from domestic flights under the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program. Air operators emitting 10,000 tonnes or more annually will need to comply with escalating emissions reduction targets starting at 1% in 2027 and reaching 10% by 2037, primarily through retiring SAF Sustainability Certificates or alternative compliance mechanisms including lower carbon aviation