Mexico City Implements Comprehensive Environmental Law

Mexico City enacted a new environmental law, replacing the previous Environmental Law for the Protection of the Land in Mexico City. The new law, promoted by Mayor Martí Batres, aims to fulfill the human right to health protection and a healthy environment, while promoting ecological balance and the conservation of biocultural heritage.

One of the law's significant provisions is the prohibition of the privatization of potable water services, ensuring free access to this essential resource. The law also mandates that green areas must be either preserved or expanded. If green spaces are altered due to public or private construction, they must be compensated with equal or larger areas, preferably near the original location. Likewise, it emphasizes that the introduction of native or naturalized species in the city should be prioritized to enhance ecological connectivity.

The law also eliminates the concept of rural land, replacing it with “Zones Subject to Ecological Conservation.” These areas will be established through agreements between the city government and local communities, requiring community consent and formalized through agreements with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. These zones will be clearly delineated and designated for the preservation, protection, and restoration of biodiversity and environmental services.

Furthermore, the law strengthens rainwater harvesting, water treatment, and reuse practices. It includes the category of Water Bodies, incorporates concepts such as environmental education and green infrastructure, and outlines biodiversity conservation criteria.

The new environmental initiative was presented by Ricardo Ruiz, Head, Ministry of the Interior, and Marina Robles, Head, Mexico City’s Ministry of the Environment (SEDEMA), to the city's Congress. This initiative seeks to update environmental regulations and align them with the Political Constitution of Mexico City.

Marina Robles highlighted that the law was created based on the concerns of Mexico City residents to improve regulatory frameworks that guarantee the right to a healthy environment. "Another of the main objectives of this ordinance is the defense of water as a public good and a human right, which is why the free access to potable water service is strengthened by expressly prohibiting its privatization," she highlighted.