In the framework of an intense political scenario, the government seeks to accelerate the processing of the reform of Law 26.639 on Minimum Budgets for the Preservation of Glaciers and the Periglacial Environment.
The initiative, which is being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies, has generated strong clashes between different legislative blocs, environmental organizations, and representatives of the productive sector.
The central points of the reform
The core of the discussion lies in the modification of the definition of glacier and the periglacial environment.
According to the text promoted by the Government, the aim is to restrict protection to those ice bodies that meet specific dimensions and have been reliably recorded in the National Glacier Inventory.
The sectors defending the reform argue that the current regulations are “too restrictive” and prevent investment development in mining and hydrocarbon exploitation in high mountain areas.
On the contrary, the opposition and the scientists from CONICET warn that reducing the protected area would leave the rock glaciers and the areas that feed the country’s water basins unprotected.
The debate in the committees
The government’s strategy is to issue a ruling on the project in the Natural Resources, Mining, and Budget committees.
The deputies from Libertad Avanza and the PRO argue that the law needs an “update” to provide legal certainty to companies, while blocs like Unión por la Patria and the Left denounce an attempt to “hand over strategic resources.”
Throughout the hearings, various actors have presented:
- Mining chambers: Request that the law does not block projects in areas where there are no confirmed glaciers of hydric importance.
- Environmentalists: Warn about the risk of contamination and the loss of freshwater reserves in a context of prolonged drought.
- Civic assemblies: Have started mobilizations to prevent the alteration of the article that prohibits extractive activity in glacier areas.
Context and legislative deadlines
The urgency of the government responds to the need to show progress in the agenda of economic deregulation.
However, the lack of absolute consensus even among allies casts doubt on whether they will achieve the necessary votes in the chamber without making last-minute modifications to the articles.
The Glacier Law, originally enacted in 2010, is considered one of the most important environmental protection regulations in Argentina.
Its possible reform is being closely followed not only at the national level but also by international organizations monitoring compliance with climate change and biodiversity agreements.
