The Brazilian Senate has passed a bill, dubbed by critics as the ‘devastation bill,’ that significantly alters environmental regulations and land use policies.

The legislation, primarily focused on land regularization and environmental licensing, has sparked widespread concern among environmental activists and organizations.

Opponents of the bill argue that it will weaken protections for the Amazon rainforest and other vital ecosystems by making it easier to clear land for agriculture and other development projects.

The bill streamlines the environmental licensing process, potentially reducing oversight and speeding up approvals for projects, including those with potential negative environmental impacts.

Proponents of the bill maintain that it is necessary for economic development and job creation, simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.

The legislation also addresses land regularization, providing a framework for formalizing land ownership, a move some see as contributing to deforestation by legitimizing claims in protected areas.

Environmental groups are particularly worried about the potential impact on Indigenous lands and reserves, where they fear weakened protections will lead to increased deforestation and encroachment.

The bill now heads to the Chamber of Deputies, where it will undergo further review and potential amendments before potentially being signed into law by the President.

Activists and environmental organizations are planning to intensify their lobbying efforts and public awareness campaigns to advocate for revisions or the rejection of the bill in the lower house.