Under the new law, environmental licenses for various infrastructure projects, including roads and dams, could be simplified, allowing certain developers to self-assess their environmental impacts through online forms. While supporters claim this will streamline processes and foster economic growth, Ms. Riaño warns that it could facilitate unchecked deforestation and diminish the rights of indigenous communities. Experts fear fast-tracked assessments and relaxed consultation requirements may lead to severe ecological and social consequences.

While proponents argue that the reforms will provide much-needed clarity and speed for businesses, detractors see a flawed system that jeopardizes both environmental and human rights, potentially contradicting constitutional protections for an ecologically balanced environment. Brazil’s Climate Observatory has criticized the bill as a significant setback for environmental policy since the military dictatorship era. With the president now at a crossroads, the potential implications of this legislation remain profound.

As Brazil's president considers whether to sign the bill into law, opposition from environmental activists, including Environment Minister Marina Silva, highlights the contentious nature of balancing development and environmental preservation in one of the world's most vital ecosystems.