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Thaw in the law? - Milei-backed controversial glacier reform advances in Argentina's Senate, opens door to mining and hydrocarbons

Thaw in the law? - Milei-backed controversial glacier reform advances in Argentina's Senate, opens door to mining and hydrocarbons

"Argentina's Senate approved a controversial reform to the Glacier Protection Law, shifting power to provincial governments to decide which glaciers are protected, and where mining and hydrocarbon projects can go ahead. The initiative has been widely criticised by environmental advocates who believe biodiversity and access to water are being put at risk. "Having been approved in general and in particular, the order of the day number 7/25 on the minimum budget regime for the preservation of glaciers and the periglacial environment will be communicated to the Honourable Chamber of Deputies," declared Victoria Villarruel, president of the Senate. The initiative proposed by President Javier Mielie establishes that only those glaciers that "fulfil the functions of a strategic reserve of water resources and as providers of water for the recharge of river basins" will be included in the National Glacier Inventory. If it is proven that glaciers or periglacial geoforms included in the National Inventory do not comply with the provisions of Article Three, they may not be subject to protection. After the vote, President Milei hailed the reform on social media, saying the era of environmentalists "waving a noble slogan while hindering the progress of Argentina" was coming to an end. The reform was approved with 40 votes in favour, 31 against and 1 abstention, and will be sent to the Chamber of Deputies for final voting."