SEMARNAT Backs Ecology Law; Jalisco Opens Solar Recycling Plant

This week in sustainability: Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) presented a proposal for a new General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection. Meanwhile, Mexico’s first specialized solar panel recycling plant has been established in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco. Separately, Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) is using low-cost monitors to study the behavior of particulate matter smaller than 2.5µm (PM2.5) in the Iztapalapa borough.

More news below:

Mexico Unveils New General Ecological Balance Law Initiative

Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) presented a proposal for a new General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA). The proposed legislation updates a federal environmental framework enacted in 1988 to align national policy with contemporary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Under the proposed framework, major industrial and infrastructure developments must undergo prior strategic environmental evaluations to analyze regional impacts comprehensively and prevent project fragmentation, ensuring that project proponents evaluate regional ecosystem capacity as a single unified territory.

Jalisco Launches Mexico’s First Solar Panel Recycling Plant

Mexico’s first specialized solar panel recycling plant has been established in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco. The project was launched through a joint initiative between Rafiqui, a non-profit association comprising approximately 17 solar industry companies, and the Jalisco state government. The facility, reported to operate with structural support from the Mexican Photovoltaic Industry Association (AMIF), addresses the rapid expansion of photovoltaic infrastructure in Jalisco, where roughly 1.6 million solar panels are currently installed. Jalisco’s Minister of Sustainable Energy Development, Manuel Herrera, stated that the recycling plant originated from working groups formed in January 2025 under the state’s sustainable energy plan.

Mexico City Expands PM2.5 Monitoring

Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) presented a project to representatives of institutions and NGOs that will use low-cost monitors to study the behavior of particulate matter smaller than 2.5µm (PM2.5) in the Iztapalapa borough in greater detail. PM2.5 is considered one of the air pollutants of greatest concern for public health due to its small size, with both short- and long-term exposure associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke and lung cancer. The new sensor network will enable city authorities and community leaders to identify pollution hotspots at the neighborhood level, expanding the city’s existing monitoring infrastructure; assess real-time exposure risks during outdoor sports, cultural events, and recreational activities; inform targeted interventions in specific areas and time windows where residents face the greatest risks; and raise awareness while empowering communities with accessible, locally relevant air quality information to support advocacy and behavioral change.

Fonatur Commits MX$7.13 Billion to Sustainable Tourism in Nayarit

Mexico's National Fund for Tourism Promotion (Fonatur) initiated development on 542.32ha for the first phase of the Sustainable Tourism Center (CTS) Compostela in the state of Nayarit. The project involves a total investment of MX$7.13 billion (US$420.63 million) and integrates two distinct Sustainable Tourism Projects (PTS): Boca de Chila and Chacala-Las Cuevas. The public-private development aims to create a new destination for domestic and international travelers while establishing a model for environmentally responsible tourism along Mexico's Pacific coast.