Overview

• Decree nº 12.673, published on Oct. 15, establishes the Special Environmental License (LAE) as a faster pathway for works deemed strategic, including those with significant environmental impact.
• A new chamber coordinated by the Casa Civil and composed of 11 ministries will propose which projects qualify for priority LAE treatment and will set criteria for their submission.
• The measure directs priority to Novo PAC projects and consolidates the Conselho de Governo as a forum to advise on complex national decisions.
• Political context includes overtures to Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, with reporting linking the move to efforts to enable oil exploration off Amapá in the Foz do Amazonas basin.
• Congress signaled likely postponement of a session to overturn Lula’s August vetoes as leaders negotiated alternatives, while Petrobras and Ibama were expected to meet to address outstanding steps before the first planned well in the region.