Environmental Law in Mexico

Environmental law in Mexico is codified under the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA). It establishes a regulatory framework to control pollution and conserve natural resources. Enacted in 1988 and amended in 2022, this statute mandates compliance with emissions standards under Article 83. It includes waste management protocols per Article 27 and protected area designations under Article 46. The 2022 amendments introduced penalties up to 20 million pesos for violations under Article 180. They also offer tax incentives for sustainable practices under Article 92 bis. Companies are assisted in adhering to these regulations, such as one that mitigated fines with LGEEPA-compliant waste disposal systems. The legal framework imposes strict liability under Article 191 for ecological damage, enabling civil actions under Article 200. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) conducts enforcement under Article 166. Permit requirements, including environmental impact assessments (EIA) per Article 28, are critical. Non-compliance triggers operational suspensions under Article 170. Technical success depends on maintaining detailed emissions logs, securing EIAs, and leveraging PROFEPA’s inspection protocols.