The 25th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee opened in Hanoi on Thursday, focusing on the proposed amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection. The meeting’s participants agreed that it is necessary to stipulate that the law should be applicable to all organizations, households, and individuals across Vietnam. Many participants suggested that a two-step environmental assessment is essential, as many projects have been delayed due to their harmful impacts on the environment. However, some others said that such two-step assessment may lead to higher costs and is a waste of time.

Regarding regulations on the import of scrap, most delegates said that they should be more specific to monitor the activity as effectively as possible. The granting of licenses for importing scraps must also be tightened for the sake of environmental protection, they said. The Committee also discussed many other important proposed amendments related to marine environment protection environmental planning, and State management. Most delegates agreed that the amendments to the Law on environmental protection will continue to be further reviewed before it can be submitted to the National Assembly for approval. The Law provides for policies, means and resources for environmental protection, as well as the rights, responsibilities and duties of organizations, households and individuals in environmental protection.