Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In order to introduce effective mechanisms for the adoption of laws of direct effect, bringing the current Legislation in line with international standards, as well as taking into account the requirements of public participation in legislation provided for in paragraph 7 of the “Concept for improving rule-making activities”, a new draft law “On Environmental Expertise” has been developed.

To this end, on 2 April, a press conference was held to discuss the draft Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Environmental Expertise” in a new edition.

The main goal of the event is to inform the general public through the media about the shortcomings of the current legislation, possible positive results for citizens and business entities from the adoption of the new bill.

Innovations in legislation:

1. The current name of the law is “On Environmental Expertise”, is being replaced by a new version – “On State Environmental Expertise and Environmental Impact Assessment”, since it covers all aspects of environmental assessment;

2. An obligation has been introduced to take into account public opinion when issuing conclusions of the state environmental assessment (in accordance with the requirements of the Aarhus Convention);

3. Criteria for environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment have been introduced (in accordance with the requirements of the Espoo Convention and the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment);

4. In accordance with international requirements, instead of 4 categories of environmental impact, 3 categories remain;

5. Instead of Cabinet of Ministers resolutions No. 541 and No. 14, a directly effective bill was developed.

Expected results:

1. Covers all aspects of assessing the impact of objects on the environment;

2. The quality of state environmental assessment reports is improving and active public participation in decision-making is ensured;

3. For investors wishing to invest in the republic, a reliable environmental assessment system will be introduced;

4. Procedures for strategic environmental assessment of government programs, master plans and road maps will be introduced;

5. A rating system for design organizations will be introduced;

6. A unified automated information system for assessing environmental impact will be introduced.

Also at the press conference, information was presented on amendments and additions to the current law “On Environmental Expertise”, bringing it into line with international standards, the Aarhus Convention and the Espoo Convention, as well as the requirements for strategic environmental assessment.