On October 17, Law No. 21,850 on National Reconstruction and Economic and Social Development was published in Chile’s Official Gazette. The law introduces a broad range of measures aimed at stimulating the economy and promoting investment. From an environmental perspective, it introduces significant amendments to the General Environmental Framework Law, the legislation governing Environmental Courts, the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP) Law, and the National Monuments Law, directly impacting project assessment and development.

Key changes include a new special appeal mechanism, greater legal certainty for Environmental Qualification Resolutions (RCAs), and a special voluntary environmental assessment regime. The law also establishes limits on precautionary measures that suspend projects and introduces new rules for archaeological and paleontological discoveries. Given their potential impact, it is essential to understand the scope of these changes, their effective dates, and the implementation timelines for the new regulations.

In this context, our Environmental Law team has prepared a summary of the law’s main environmental provisions and their practical implications for project developers and investors.

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