Pandemic-An Excuse to Promulgate Controversial Laws

United States

  • Doing away with the stronger fuel efficiency standards.
  • Includes cars and trucks introduced under former President Barack Obama.

Hungary

  • Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been given authority by the Parliament.
  • To rule by decree with an unending term.
  • Controversial legislations, such as ending the legal recognition of transgender people has also been passed by the government.

Senegal

  • Suspension of one of the provisions of the anti-plastic law: the ban on water sachets by the govt.
  • After the pandemic is over, the provision, which has a strong economic and social impact, will only be reinstated.

Nigeria

  • Enacted 16 state and federal regulations that justify derogation of constitutionally protected rights.
  • Also tried to pass a draconian law allowing the police to apprehend people with infectious diseases.

Venezuela

  • President Nicolas Maduro allowed gold and diamond mining in Cuchivero, Caura, Aro, Caroni, Yuruari and Cuyuni rivers in April 2020.
  • Directly affects the environment.
  • Specifically rivers that feed the Caroni River which generates of 70% of the country՚s electricity.

Philippines

  • The Philippines was labeled the most dangerous country for activists by international watchdog Global Witness last year.
  • During the two months lockdown period the govt. arrested 10 activists, one got killed.

Brazil

  • The government is to vote on the Provisional Measure 901⟋2019.
  • This will legalise land grab of indigenous areas till 2018.
  • Also the stipulated area is expected to reduce under forest on these lands from 80% to 50% .

South Africa

  • The government allowed mining activities in the third week of April.
  • While the rest of the country was in lockdown.
  • New regulations were adopted on April 11 to suspend the usual environmental regulatory processes during the lockdown.

Indonesia

  • Revoked several rules in response to lobbying from the furniture and logging industries.
  • Also deliberating on a Bill that allows it to issue permits for exploiting natural resources.

Australia

  • Documents leaked to the media reveal plans to scrap state bans on coal seam gas development.
  • The federal government also plans to underwrite:
    • Gas prices
    • Subsidise costs for gas companies
    • Dilute environmental regulations

Examrace Team at Aug 24, 2021