Environmental Issues > International Issues Main Page > All International Issues Documents

Chile’s environmental review of large energy projects has been a repeated source of conflict for communities, companies, and the government. Large and harmful projects, such as the Bio Bio dams in the 1990s, the Barrancones coal plant in 2010, and the current proposed HidroAysén mega-dam complex in Patagonia, were evaluated under a fundamentally flawed system. This inadequate system does not conform to international standards and it often fails to fully assess the environmental impacts or improve the quality of projects. The Chilean parliament revised the environmental review law in late 2010 to address some of the most problematic issues. But these changes are limited and came too late for the controversial proposed HidroAysén dam project, which is fatally flawed and should not be built. Chile should further reform its environmental review system to bring it in line with international standards and reduce potential risk around future projects.

last revised 12/7/2011

portable document format

Get document in pdf

Sign up for NRDC's online newsletter

See the latest issue >

Give the Gift That Will Make a Difference: Clean Energy Boost

TAKE ACTION

Stop the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline

In Canada's boreal forest, the Peace-Athabasca Delta is a haven for millions of migratory birds. It's no place for even more tar sands development, which is already poisoning the boreal forest's rivers and lakes.

Take Action Now

Top Stories

Toxic Trade: The Global Metallic Mercury Market
It will take an international solution to curb the world's mercury pollution problem -- and the United States should lead the way.
China's Budding Environmental Movement
Attorney Alex Wang talks about what it's like to be in on the ground level of a new environmental movement.

NRDC Gets Top Ratings from the Charity Watchdogs

Charity Navigator awards NRDC its 4-star top rating.
Worth magazine named NRDC one of America's 100 best charities.
NRDC meets the highest standards of the Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau.


Donate now >

Related Links

Share | |
Find NRDC on
YouTube