Feb 9 • 03:02 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Mining and the Environment: A Strictly Constitutional Problem

The article discusses the constitutional issues surrounding the rights to a healthy environment and the sustainable use of resources within the context of mining legislation in Argentina.

The article highlights a critical constitutional issue faced by Argentina as the Congress considers a reform of Law 26.639, which focuses on the minimum budgets for the preservation of glaciers and the periglacial environment. The discussion arises from the need to establish clear and applicable environmental rights without undermining legal security and federalism, aligning with the broader constitutional goal set forth by the framers in 1853 of promoting general welfare and societal progress.

Central to the debate is Article 41 of the Argentine Constitution, which acknowledges the right to a healthy environment while also mandating the rational use of resources. Additionally, Article 124 stipulates that provinces are the original owners of those resources, creating a complex dynamic between environmental protection and resource governance. The tension between these constitutional provisions poses challenges in crafting legislation that balances ecological sustainability with economic interests.

Ultimately, the article suggests that resolving these constitutional ambiguities is essential for effective environmental governance in Argentina. The state is called to ensure that environmental laws are not only theoretically sound but also practically enforceable, allowing for responsible resource management while safeguarding the environment. This underscores the importance of clear legal frameworks that respect both the rights of provinces and the imperative of environmental stewardship.

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