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...

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

Brazil's Federal Government has issued Decree No. 13,095/2026, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for carbon dioxide capture, pipeline transport, and geological storage activities. The decree outlines technological routes including BECCS, CCS, CCUS, and DACCS, while designating the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) as the authorizing body and integrating these activities with Brazil's Emissions Trading System for potential carbon credit generation.

Brazil's Extraordinary Secretariat for the Carbon Market has released a draft ordinance establishing the implementation timeline for greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, reporting, and verification obligations under the country's new emissions trading system. The proposal outlines a three-stage rollout beginning in 2027, covering sectors from aluminum and steel production to transportation, with specific annual cycles for compliance that operators must follow.

Chile's Ministry of the Environment has published a draft amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) regulation, proposing significant changes to entry criteria and thresholds for mining and real estate projects. The proposal introduces higher thresholds for mining operations and exploration activities while establishing new exemptions for certain waste reprocessing projects and real estate developments with approved emissions offset programs.

A federal court in New Mexico has granted a preliminary injunction against the state's PFAS labeling rule for consumer products, finding that the regulation likely violates constitutional protections for commercial speech. The court questioned whether the state's characterization of the label as a "consumer awareness" measure rather than a warning undermines the connection between New Mexico's stated health and environmental interests and the means used to achieve them.

A recent decision by Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region confirms that the Ministry of Agriculture holds final authority over agrochemical use decisions following environmental assessments by Ibama. This ruling addresses regulatory inconsistencies in the re-evaluation process of active ingredients, particularly regarding imidacloprid, and establishes that uniform treatment must apply to both registered products and new registration requests.