Senate Committee Approves Reforms on Climate and Forest Policy

The Senate’s Second Committee on Legislative Studies approved five legislative reforms aimed at strengthening national frameworks on climate change, environmental budgeting, forest ecosystems, public space accessibility, and environmental recognition.

The first reform amends Articles 30 and 106 of the General Law on Climate Change to require authorities at all levels of government to consider socio-cultural and gender-specific conditions in the implementation of climate-related plans and programs. It also mandates the translation of such materials into the region’s principal Indigenous languages. Additionally, the amendment recognizes the right of every individual to access information on climate change, in accordance with transparency and public information laws.

The second reform modifies Article 64 Bis of the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection. It directs federal, state, and municipal governments to ensure that annual budget allocations for environmental research, development, innovation, and technology transfer are not reduced from the previous fiscal year.

Another approved initiative revises the General Law on Sustainable Forest Development. Article 26 now includes the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI) among the agencies responsible for forest-related activities. Article 139 designates the Mexican Forest Fund as an instrument for advancing forest research and innovation, while Article 143 promotes actions to manage fire, pests, diseases, and other threats to forest ecosystems. The reform also reinforces the requirement to maintain or increase federal funding for forest research and innovation year over year.

The committee also approved the creation of a national “Environmental Merit Recognition,” to be awarded during a formal Senate session. Candidates for the honor will be selected by a two-thirds vote of the senators present. The Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Committee will propose a shortlist after consulting with academic, civil society, and environmental organizations.

Finally, the fifth reform updates Article 75, Section VI, of the General Law on Human Settlements, Land Use Planning, and Urban Development. It mandates that public recreation spaces such as parks, gardens, and sports areas promote universal accessibility, including technical assistance for people with disabilities and older adults.