New Chilean Legislation Establishes Ministry of Environment and Other Related Bodies

Chile has enacted a new law involving the environment. One part of the legislation will create the Ministry of the Environment, a Cabinet-level department, which will advise the country's president about designing and implementing new plans, policies, and programs to protect the environment. The Ministry will also take part in promoting renewable energy as well as improving the country's regulatory framework for environmental protection.

The legislation also establishes a Ministerial Council for Sustainability, a body that will assist the president in matters involving sustainable development. Moreover, the legislation establishes the Consultative Council of the Ministry of Environment that will include representatives from business, economic, labor, science, and other groups from around the county.