Draft environment protection law posted online for public feedback

AMMAN — The Legislation and Opinion Bureau has posted the draft environment protection law on its website for comments.

The bill, which was posted on Tuesday, was referred to the bureau (www.lob.jo) after the Cabinet approved it last month.

Environment Minister Taher Shakhshir told The Jordan Times on Wednesday that the draft law is now at the bureau for amendments, noting that once finalised, it will be referred back to the Cabinet and then to the Lower House.

Shakhshir said the draft law seeks to maximise control over the Kingdom’s natural resources, underscoring that new articles were added to the bill to keep up with developments since the first environment protection law was issued over a decade ago.

It stipulates stricter penalties against polluters and abusers of the environment and links the volume of the fine to the impact of the violation, according to Shakhshir.

The bill contains articles on electronic, chemical, hazardous and prohibited waste; management of mineral oils; and ozone-depleting materials.

It also encourages green investments, intensifies monitoring over industries and enhances protection of natural resources, including water resources and forests.

In addition, environment inspectors are given the authority to enforce the law under the new bill, which stipulates that they have the jurisdiction to record any violation and refer those involved to court.

Environment inspectors are also entitled to inspect facilities, institutions and transportation means at any time and have the jurisdiction to take the necessary measures to ensure that institutions and facilities abide by the environment protection law.