Improving the Environmental Impact Statement System

Section 1 declares it is the policy of the State that optimum economic development shall be achieved without delay.
Section 1 requires that development be pursued consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
Section 1 directs the State to ensure that the present generation meets its needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Section 2 directs project proponents to simultaneously conduct the environmental impact study and the feasibility study of the proposed project.
Section 2 instructs proponents to use the simultaneous conduct as a planning tool.
Section 2 states the planning objective is to minimize or manage adverse environmental impacts of the proposed activity.

Section 3 links the requirement and encouragement for Environmental Units to Section 4 (Environmental Impact Statements) of PD 1151 (Section 4, PD 1151).
Section 3 states that, upon approval of the Department of Budget and Management, National Government agencies, GOCCs, and GFIs are encouraged to create their respective environmental units (EUs).
Section 3 mandates that all agencies whose mandate includes the introduction of physical plants and infrastructure are required to create their respective EUs.
Section 3 requires that the costs of establishing the EUs must be within the respective approved budgetary ceilings of the concerned agencies, corporations, and institutions.

Section 3 assigns the EUs of national government agencies and GOCCs to assist in the preparation of EIS.
Section 3 requires the EUs of national government agencies and GOCCs to ensure that their respective agencies/GOCCs meet the procedural requirements of the EIS System.
Section 3 requires the EUs of national government agencies and GOCCs to facilitate the securing of the ECCs of their respective projects.
Section 3 directs that, upon securing the ECC, the EUs of national government agencies and GOCCs must ensure project compliance with the conditions of the ECC.
Section 3 assigns the EUs of GFIs to ensure that loan or related funding applications of government and private institutions have complied with the EIS System.

Section 3 directs the DENR and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to monitor compliance with the ECC.
Section 3 states that DENR and EMB are in-charge of the formulation, dissemination and enforcement of policies on environmental standards and compliance monitoring.
Section 3 ties ECC monitoring to the project compliance obligations that EUs must ensure after ECC issuance.

Section 4 requires continuing efforts to upgrade DENR-EMB’s and DENR Regional Offices’ capabilities for fast and efficient review of EIS.
Section 4 includes efforts such as expansion of the EIA Review Committee members.
Section 4 requires setting their honoraria within the limits and qualifications set by DBM National Compensation Circulars.

Section 5 repeals or amends all orders, issuances, circulars, rules and regulations or portions thereof that are inconsistent with Executive Order No. 291.
Section 5 ensures that only inconsistent portions are repealed or amended, preserving consistent rules and issuances.