REVANCHIST REACTIONARIES
Argentina lawmakers approve glacier law reform to boost mining
09.04.2026, dpa
Argentina's lower house of Congress on Thursday approved a controversial reform of the country's glacier protection law, easing environmental safeguards to allow new economic projects, particularly in mining.
Lawmakers voted 137 to 111 in favour of the measure after hours of debate, the newspaper La Nación reported. The upper house had passed the bill in February.
Under the reform, only glaciers and surrounding high-altitude areas deemed essential to water supply will remain under strict protection. Provincial authorities will play a central role in determining which areas qualify.
The government of right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei described the overhaul as "historic," saying it would restore "genuine environmental federalism" and enable a more pragmatic approach to resource use.
Officials argue the previous law discouraged investment and led to legal uncertainty. The reform is intended to unlock billions of dollars in projects, particularly in lithium extraction and mining.
Opponents say the changes weaken environmental protections and favour the mining industry. Several opposition lawmakers have said they plan to challenge the reform in court, arguing it may be unconstitutional.
Argentina has enforced comprehensive glacier protections since 2010, banning most industrial activity in and around roughly 17,000 glaciers, as there are considered critical water reserves.
The country's glaciers have been shrinking for years, largely due to climate change. Milei denies that Earth's rising temperatures are driven by human activity.
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