Voice of civil society mattered: pollution risk amendments from law on emissions not supported in Moldova

The proposals to amend the Law on industrial emissions, which risked lowering environmental and public health protection standards, have not been supported by the parliamentary commission for environment, climate and green transition. The decision was communicated following an opinion signed by over 30 non-governmental organizations, coordinated by the EcoContact public association.

The commission on July 21 said that the amendments aimed at eliminating Annexes No. 2 and No. 3 from Law No. 227/2022 had not been accepted.

“The amendments would have allowed carrying out of potentially polluting industrial activities—such as livestock farms, wastewater treatment plants, food units, or trade in chemicals and waste—without environmental authorization. The civil society criticized not only the content of the proposals, but also the lack of transparency in the legislative process. The amendments were introduced indirectly, as part of a bill that initially aimed only to amend the Water Law, without public consultation or the involvement of local authorities and experts,”  EcoContact said.

EcoContact welcomes the reaction of the parliamentary commission, considering that this decision confirms the importance of maintaining a coherent, predictable legislative framework, aligned with European standards. The organization reaffirms that the voice of NGOs is essential in defending the public interest and in preventing hasty decisions, which can have long-term consequences.