Deputies approved a bill on Tuesday to streamline environmental licensing procedures for the paving of BR-319, a crucial Amazon highway connecting Manaus (AM) to Porto Velho (RO). The vote, with 311 in favor and 103 against, faced opposition mainly from parties critical of the project, such as PT, PCdoB, PV, PSOL, and Rede. The controversial BR-319 paving project, ongoing for decades and included in President Lula’s New PAC, has sparked concerns about land grabbing, illegal deforestation, and criminal logging.
Environmentalists fear the potential negative impacts of the project, while supporters argue that BR-319 is vital for reducing the isolation of residents in Amazonas and Rondônia. The bill designates BR-319 as “critical infrastructure, indispensable to national security,” aiming to simplify licensing procedures, expedite works, and ensure trafficability. It allows public acts related to the highway through simplified procedures or adherence and commitment.
Critics argue for robust environmental licensing due to the significant impacts of the project. Deputy Ivan Valente (PSOL-SP) emphasized the need for a thorough discussion, stating, “There is a lot at stake here. This discussion is precarious, and there is indeed a huge impact that needs to be discussed.”
The government, in collaboration with the project’s rapporteur, Deputy Captain Alberto Neto (PL-AM), removed a provision exempting environmental licensing for pavement restoration. The fate of the bill now lies with President Lula, who may choose to veto it, potentially leading to a clash with Congress.
Debate surrounds the balance between regional development and environmental protection, with the project heading for Senate analysis. In November, the federal government established a working group to study the feasibility of paving BR-319, excluding the Environment department. The group aims to assess the current state of the highway, analyze technical studies, and propose measures to enhance infrastructure, road safety, and mitigate environmental impacts.
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