Nuevo Leon Launches Environmental Division to Tackle Crimes

Samuel García, Nuevo Leon Governor, announced the creation of a new Environmental Division aimed at criminally prosecuting severe environmental offenses, including illegal dumping, deforestation, and pollution. The announcement was made during the ninth session of the Metropolitan Environmental Commission (CAME), where Sepúlveda said current efforts have proven insufficient. He noted that the state’s Environmental Prosecutor’s Office lacks criminal enforcement powers, allowing offenders to operate with impunity.

The new Environmental Division will coordinate with other state and federal agencies, including the State Attorney’s Office, the National Guard, the Army, Civil Protection, and local municipal forces. The unit will focus on crimes such as illegal land use, intentional fires, and water and air pollution. 

García emphasized that municipalities will play a key role in enforcement and called for a unified response. “All enforcement arms of the state, from the police to environmental agencies, now have a coordinated task,” he said. The governor also criticized companies that evade environmental regulations by questioning state jurisdiction, as well as developers who clear land without permits and trucks that operate while emitting pollutants.

Residents, officials, and agencies will be encouraged to report offenses through the 070 hotline, which will direct complaints to the relevant authorities depending on the type of violation.

As a follow-up, the governor also pledged to propose reforms to the Penal Code that would increase minimum sentences for environmental crimes, closing legal loopholes that allow offenders to avoid pretrial detention. He warned that many violations are committed by organized groups and said his administration is prepared to use all legal tools available to address the issue. The proposal received unanimous support from CAME members.