Establishment of Environmental Impact Statement System
- Creation of a system requiring Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for all significant projects.
- Applies to all government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, and private entities.
- Ensures that projects affecting environmental quality undergo assessment.
Determination of Lead Agency
- The Minister of Human Settlements or representative to designate lead agencies for EIS preparation.
- Lead agencies oversee Environmental Impact Statements on environmentally critical projects and areas.
- All EIS must be submitted to the National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC) for review and evaluation.
Declaration of Environmentally Critical Areas and Projects
- The President may declare projects, undertakings, or areas as environmentally critical.
- Prohibition on operation of declared critical projects without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
- Presidential powers to reorganize government offices or agencies to manage critical projects or areas.
- Ministry of Human Settlements tasked to prepare land or water use plans, establish environmental standards, develop protective programs, and perform related functions.
Treatment of Environmentally Non-Critical Projects
- Projects not declared critical are exempt from submitting EIS.
- NEPC and Ministry of Human Settlements may still require additional environmental safeguards for non-critical projects.
Secretariat Role
- National Environmental Protection Council authorized to create secretariat for administering EIS system.
- Secretariat responsible for processing and evaluating Environmental Impact Statements.
Management and Financial Assistance
- Ministry of Human Settlements empowered to provide management and financial support to supervised agencies.
- Funding can come from existing appropriations or budget augmentations.
Issuance of Rules and Regulations
- NEPC responsible for issuing implementing rules and regulations.
- National Pollution Control Commission may assist as an implementing arm.
Penalties for Violations
- Violations of EIS requirements or Environmental Compliance Certificates subject to suspension, cancellation, and fines up to 50,000 Pesos per violation.
- Penalties imposed at the discretion of NEPC.
Environmental Revolving Fund
- Penalties levied under this Decree and P.D. No. 984 automatically fund the Environmental Revolving Fund.
- Fund exempted from P.D. Nos. 711 and 1234.
- Exclusive use for NEPC and National Pollution Control Commission operations.
- Utilization rules to be formulated by the Ministry of Human Settlements and approved by the President.
Repealing and Delegation of Powers
- Abolishment of the Inter-Agency Advisory Council under P.D. No. 984.
- Delegation of its powers to the National Environmental Protection Council.
- Repeal or amendment of any inconsistent laws, decrees, rules, or regulations.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.