Law Summary
Government Responsibilities and National Goals
- The government, working with private organizations, shall use all practical means consistent with national policy to promote general welfare.
- Responsibilities include recognizing environmental trusteeship for future generations.
- Assure citizens a safe, decent, healthful, productive, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Encourage extensive use of the environment without degradation or health risks.
- Preserve important historical and cultural heritage.
- Establish balance between population and resource use.
- Enhance utilization of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Right to a Healthy Environment and Individual Duty
- The people have a recognized right to a healthful environment.
- Each individual is responsible to contribute to environmental preservation and enhancement.
Environmental Impact Statements and Their Requirements
- All government agencies, government-owned corporations, and private entities must prepare and file environmental impact statements for projects significantly affecting the environment.
- The statement must include:
- Environmental impact of the project.
- Any unavoidable adverse environmental effects.
- Alternatives to the proposed action.
- Assurance that short-term resource use maintains long-term productivity.
- Justification for the use of depletable or non-renewable resources.
- Draft environmental impact statements are to be reviewed by relevant agencies with expertise within 30 days.
Development of Agency Guidelines
- Agencies responsible for environmental protection shall submit guidelines, rules, and regulations for environmental impact assessments within 60 days to the National Environmental Protection Council.
Repealing Clause
- Any laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.